OLD GOA
For the second time in over a year, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has closed down its protected monuments, including the world famous Old Goa churches, on account of the rising Covid cases in the country.
In an order issued by Director (Monuments) N K Pathak on April 15, directions have been issued to close all centrally protected monuments/sites and museums under ASI with immediate effect.
“Due to prevailing Covid situation, it has been decided to close all the centrally protected monuments/sites and museums under Archaeological Survey of India with immediate effect and till May 15 or until further orders,” the order pasted outside the monuments reads.
On account of the order, the world heritage monuments in Old Goa, including Basilica of Bom Jesus, Se Cathedral, St Cajetan Church, St Catherine’s chapel, St Augustine’s tower, Our Lady of Rosary Church, St Francis of Assisi Church and the ASI museum, were closed for tourists for a second time, only a mere five months after being re-opened.
It may be recalled that the ASI had first closed down the monuments on March 18 last year when the Covid had initially started spreading in the country.
It was eight months later that the ASI monuments were re-opened for the tourists in November 2020, as the Covid situation showed signs of improvement.
The latest closure of the monuments has once again put a cloud on tourism related activities around Old Goa, as tourists would throng to visit the world heritage monuments.
Many tourists who visited Old Goa on Friday had to return disappointed on account of the closure of the world heritage sites.
Masses at Basilica, Se Cathedral to continue
OLD GOA: While the ASI has closed down its protected monuments, including the world famous Old Goa churches, on account of the rising Covid cases, Masses will continue as usual with the SOPs and health guidelines at the Bom Jesus Basilica and Se Cathedral.
When contacted, the Rector of Bom Jesus Basilica Fr Patricio Fernandes said the order regarding the closure of all centrally protected monuments/sites and museums under ASI with immediate effect is only applicable to tourists and visitors.
“Masses with a physical gathering will be celebrated in the Basilica as usual by conforming to the SOPs issued by the State government and our archdiocese,” said Fr Fernandes.
Se Cathedral Parish Priest Fr Alfred Vaz also confirmed that Masses would continue to be celebrated in the cathedral.
