Minister: Govt panel to solve pvt heritage property issues
Margao: Archives and archaeology minister Subhash Phal Dessai said on Wednesday that govt will establish a committee to address concerns of private homeowners desirous of availing benefits from state's heritage conservation policy.
Phal Dessai stated that while govt remains committed to preserving heritage structures—including privately-owned historic homes—the new committee will work to resolve issues with property owners and create mutually beneficial solutions under the state's heritage framework.
'Conservation of heritage houses in private properties will be undertaken by govt only upon the owners' consent. The committee will hold consultations with the owners and thrash out issues if any,' Phal Dessai told reporters on the sidelines of a function held to commemorate Goa Revolution Day at Lohia Maidan, Margao.
Phal Dessai made this statement when it was brought to his notice the need for conservation of Francisco Luis Gomes' house, and the demand for converting the house of Juliao Menezes at Assolna into a museum. While Gomes raised his voice for Goa's Liberation in the Portuguese parliament much before Goa's Liberation movement started, Menezes hosted Lohia in his Assolna house.
Govt recently approved the Goa state heritage policy, which is a comprehensive guide aimed at conserving, protecting, and promoting Goa's unique cultural, historical, and natural heritage. Phal Dessai said that while heritage structures in existence for 100 years are covered under the department of archaeology's conservation mandate, those less than 100 years enjoy protection under the state's heritage policy.
Earlier, addressing the gathering for the Goa Revolution Day celebration, Phal Dessai revealed plans of govt to produce an animation web series on the Goa Liberation movement and its protagonists.
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