TheGoan: Since how long have the artifacts been lying out in the open at StAugustine’s ruins and other places?
SR: Antiques in form of stones were kept in a storeroom from1970s and were taken out in 2010. Since then they have been installed in theoutside museum. We also fix them.
TheGoan: There are hundreds of small artifacts and antiques lying around in ASIprotected sites. How safe are they? How much would their value be in rupeeterms?
SR: All the items under our care are very safe here. One cannotvalue these items as they are a part of world heritage sites and their valuecannot be gauged.
TheGoan: What kind of security measures exist currently in the Old Goa Churchcomplex area under ASI?
SR: For security purposes, we have around 70 people deployed inthese structures who keep a check around the clock. Plus there also are churchvolunteers who are present. We have also approved and are shortly going toinstall surveillances camera at Basilica of Bom Jesus which will keep a checkof surrounding area up to a radius of upto two kms.
TheGoan: Did the ASI ever prepare an inventory of whatever was on the site, theartifacts and antiques?
SR: Yes. The inventory was prepared by ASI. We have thedocumentation done for that. As far as religious structures are concerned,the Church does not have documents. So we would be handling over a list tothem. They have to take care as we cannot go and search for antiques underreligious structures. The Church has to take care of them.
TheGoan: When did the ASI prepare an inventory of items at Old Goa Site?
SR: Around 25 years ago an inventory was conducted. Currently, aphoto documentation drive is underway. We will then have a description of allvaluables. One set of this documentation will be handed over to the church. (Please note, inventory done 25 years ago,documentation being done now)
TheGoan: So how do you manage to keep a check of the inventories?
SR: Our attendants who are in respective monuments keep a check,but once their duties end at 5.30 pm, it is the responsibility of the Church totake care of it.
TheGoan: What happens when artifacts are found missing and stolen from thesesites? How do you engage the law?
SR: If anything is stolen then we have to file a policecomplaint. We simultaneously have to send a copy of the photo of the stolenartifact to our DG, CBI, Customs people so that the valuable is not taken outof the country under The Antiquities and ArtTreasures Act, 1972 and Rule 1975. (The Goan investigations team walked awaywith two such treasures more than a month ago. No complaint has been filed)
TheGoan: But then why are we finding so many valuable items lying outsideunattended and can be stolen?
SR: Here in Goa, we have valuable items like candle stands,which nobody takes away. Our people are around and plus we have churchvolunteers guarding them.
