the goan I network
MARGAO
Praising the Rector of Basilica of Bom Jesus Fr Patricio Fernandes for highlighting the state of affairs of the world heritage monument, Benaulim MLA Churchill Alemao on Thursday expressed his happiness that Chief Minister Pramod Sawant had personally gone for inspection and issued instructions for its restoration.
Flanked by daughter Valanka, Churchill said the ASI officials have no right to blame the priest or anyone else for going to the media on the issue, saying he is indebted to Fr Patricio for having drawn the attention of the people to the state of affairs of the monument.
“I thank Fr Patricio for highlighting the issue with the sole purpose of protecting the world heritage monument. This is the very place where the relics of St Francis Xavier are housed. We cannot allow any further damage to the monument,” he said.
Saying that he had written a letter to Union Minister in-charge of the Archaeological Survey of India, Prahlad Singh Patel, Churchill exuded confidence that the Chief Minister will ensure that the monument is fully protected. “The CM had invited me for an inspection of the Basilica, but I could not make it since I was preoccupied,” he said.
Demanding to know why a contractor from outside the scope of work is being issued the tender to carry out the restoration, Churchill said the government should rope in qualified experts from Goa to take up the work.
Meanwhile, Valanka Alemao said it is high time that everyone comes together to support the Church to protect and restore the monument.
