OLD GOA
The Exploration Officer Deepika Gaonkar of the State Archaeology Department held a preliminary inspection of the project site of the Tourism Department in Old Goa where the cannon balls and other artefacts were found in the old Arsenal area.
The inspection was held on Tuesday upon the complaint of Old Goa local Glen Cabral who had asked for intervention of the Archaeology Department to stop the illegal construction and to take possession of the artefacts as per the Goa, Daman and Diu Monuments Archaeological Sites and Remains Act 1978.
Gaonkar along with Cabral went around the site and inspected the cannon balls which were still lying around with Cabral explaining to the Officer about the importance of the area where the old Arsenal existed and that it needs to be thoroughly excavated as more such artefacts could be found.
Later, speaking to reporters Cabral informed that this was a preliminary inspection of the State Archaeology department and that a joint inspection of the ASI, State Archaeology and other departments concerned would be held at a later date to ascertain whether the area comes under the prohibited zone of the UNESCO monument (St Francis of Assisi Church) or the State monument (Santa Monica Convent and Church).
"But, right now the most important thing is to document the archaeological finds like the cannon balls, flag posts, stones and also to conduct further excavation for more such artefacts," Cabral added while stating that the cannon balls which are still lying around should be immediately taken in possession by the relevant authority after its documentation.
Cabral then pointed out that the plan for the project only takes into account the St Francis of Assisi Church, which is a UNESCO monument, while overlooking the Santa Monica Convent and Church, which is a State monument.
"TCP Minister Vishwajit Rane is on record stating that equal importance would be given to both UNESCO as well as State monuments and therefore it is important to ascertain whether the project site falls within the prohibited zone of the State monument," Cabral informed.
