The long-awaited conservation and repair works have commenced in right earnest, with workers engaged by the contractor beginning restoration in accordance with the approved specifications. However, despite the start of the project, hundreds of valuable historical documents and records have not yet been shifted from the premises.
At present, the old records, some of which date back more than a century, remain stacked inside the building and are covered only with plastic sheets as a temporary measure to protect them from dust, debris and possible damage during the ongoing works.
The records were left behind after the office of the South Goa Administrator of Comunidades was shifted to the Old Collectorate building when the heritage structure developed severe water seepage during successive monsoons, making it unsuitable for regular functioning. Since then, the documents have remained inside the abandoned building, prompting repeated concerns from Comunidade components and stakeholders over their safety and preservation.
The documents are considered historically and administratively significant, containing land records, proceedings, relating to various Comunidades in South Goa. Given their age and importance, several stakeholders have stressed the need for scientific preservation and secure storage to prevent deterioration or accidental damage.
What has surprised many observers is that the records continue to remain inside the building even after restoration activities have commenced. With construction workers now operating within the premises, concerns have once again been raised over the safety of the documents, despite the temporary protection provided by plastic coverings.
Inquiries by The Goan have revealed that the authorities have been unable to shift the records primarily due to the absence of suitable storage space. Sources said the office of the Administrator of Comunidades, South Goa, has been exploring various options to temporarily house the records until the restoration project is completed.
According to sources, the administration is now considering shifting the documents to vacant PWD quarters, which are being examined as a possible temporary storage facility. The proposal is understood to be aimed at ensuring that the records are relocated before the repair and restoration work enters more intensive phases.
Officials are expected to take a final call on the relocation shortly, as the pace of restoration is likely to increase in the coming weeks. Stakeholders have urged the authorities to ensure that the documents are shifted without delay and stored in a secure, dry and well-protected environment, given their immense historical, legal and archival value.
