OLD GOA
Stating that majority of funds under ‘Development of Basilica of Bom Jesus under Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive (PRASAD) scheme’ will be utilised for a project in GTDC property, Goa Archdiocese financial administrator Fr Noel D’Costa said the archdiocese is yet to give its approval to the project pending submission of the final plan.
Speaking to The Goan, Fr D’Costa informed that since 2020, various levels of meetings have been held with the government over the issue, the last being in July this year.
INITIAL PROPOSAL
“Earlier, the project proposed was too big as it would overshadow monuments like the Basilica and other monuments. After our objection, it was toned down from a basement plus two floors to a basement plus ground floor. Also, the budget for the project was reduced from around Rs 50 crore to around Rs 30 crore,” Fr D’Costa added.
“However, most of the money will be spent on the project in GTDC property. We will not allow anything to be touched within the Basilica because it is under the purview of the ASI,” the priest said.
Fr D’Costa said the earlier proposal had provision for an interpretation centre and an amphitheatre.
REVISED PROPOSAL
“But we raised our objections to that proposal as those amenities were not needed. We want the focus to be on amenities required for pilgrims and tourists like parking, toilets, etc.,” Fr D’Costa pointed out and informed that there is no place for toilets in other areas in Goa, except for Basilica.
“Other things under the scheme like landscaping, installing tents, water amenities, etc. are being approved as they are required for visitors,” Fr D’Costa added
“Further, we have demanded that the architect for the project should be approved by the archdiocese and also demanded that the final proposal should have archdiocesan approval. The final proposal is yet to come.”
The Goan understands that the project has provisions for amenities like cafeteria, souvenir shop, lounge, logistics/information, first aid, cold storage, kitchen, wash area, store utilities, etc.
DEMANDS
Fr D’Costa said the archdiocese has also demanded a fire management system, blocking the main road between the church complexes, etc.
“Vehicles park on the road and cause confusion. The police and the security are unable to control the traffic, due to which we have employed 8 people to manage the crowd,” the priest said.
“Proper management has to be done. The State and Centre receive funds which need to be used to provide amenities at Old Goa,” he added while expressing concern that action is taken only when issues surface.
“Only when problems surface, something is done like last time when the roof was left open leading to dampening of walls and furniture of the Basilica. When it was publicised, they took action otherwise nothing happened,” Fr D’Costa added.
