Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Jul 28: Conservation and structural repair works of seven churches and nine other monuments is being undertaken by the Central Government at a cost of Rs. 1,30,54,481, according to the information given by the Union Minister of State for Planning and Parliamentary Affairs V Narayanasamy, in a written reply to Shantaram Naik M P in the Rajya Sabha, last week.

Giving details of expenditure/allocation for conservation work of seven churches in Goa Narayan Swami stated that between the years 2006-07 to 2008-09 a total expenditure of Rs. 2,38,21,546 was incurred, and that, a provision Rs. 89, 50,000/- has been made with respect to said churches for the year 2009-10, the Minister said.

Giving particulars of the expenditure incurred with respect to each of the churches, minister said that for the period 2006-07 to 2008-09 as regards Church of St Augustine, Old Goa, Basilica of Bom Jesus, Old Goa, Se Cathedral, St. Cajetan, Church and Convent of St.Francis of Assisi, Chapel of St Catherine and Our Lady of Rosary, an amount of Rs 38,68061, Rs 42,23,374/- Rs.60,14,371/-, Rs.30,48,825/-, Rs.41,58,097/-, Rs.7,31,339/- and Rs.17,77,479/-, respectively was incurred for the same period.

As regards nine other monuments, namely , Upper Fort at Aguada, Safa Masjid at Ponda, Mahadev Temple at Kurdi, Rock cut Caves at Arvalim, Mahadev Temple at Tambdisurla, Excavated Site at Chandor, St.Paul Gate, Viceroys Arch and Adilshah Gate and Lower Fort at Aguada, a provision of Rs. 11,67,000/-, Rs.11,70,000/-, Rs.2,21,800, Rs.76,800/-, Rs.2,18,000/-, Rs.70,728/- Rs.95,713/-, Rs.65,540/- and Rs.10,18,900/- respectively has been made, Minister informed Naik.