Panaji, Oct 8 (IANS): Speaking against the backdrop of rising thefts of antiques from churches and heritage homes, newly appointed minister for museums Alina Saldanha said Tuesday that a special committee is being set up to protect Goa's art and heritage.

Saldanha was talking to reporters after attending a private function in the capital.

"I am in the process of forming a committee of experts and heritage lovers. The committee will be tasked with preparing a comprehensive plan for safeguarding and promotion of Goa's art, heritage and museums," Saldanha told reporters, a day after her appointment as minister for museums.

Saldanha's statement comes amid a rash of heritage and artifact related burglaries, including a sensational murder-and-break in at the Christian Art Museum, a repository of Christian Art, sometime back.

Police suspect that the robberies are the work of an international art and antique smuggling syndicate which sells artifacts from Goa, especially those dating back to Portuguese colonial rule, to collectors in the developed world.

Saldanha said there was an urgent need to ensure that Goa guards its heritage and treasures and that it would be one of the key responsibilities of the committee.

"I know just who are the people who can be a part of this committee. The need for Goa to preserve its heritage is immense," she said.