Deputy Chief Minister, Shri Chandrakant (Babu) Kavlekar along with Minister for Art and Culture Shri Govind Gaude today visited Safa Masjid Ponda and inspected the collapsed portion of retaining wall of Tank. Briefing the media persons after inspecting the damaged portion of the wall Deputy CM Shri Babu Kavlekar said government is committed to protect the historic monument. He said wall collapsed due to torrential rains will be restored soon as the work has already began to prevent further damage and after rain subsides further maintenance would be undertaken. He said Safa Masjid comes under Archaelogical Survey of India( ASI) and that their officials has began work on repairs. He said though ASI looks after monuments as a precautionary measures for preserving and protection Government, he said has also constituted Coordination Committee of Goa Government to look after historic monuments under the Chairmanship of Chief Minister Pramod Sawant. He said Muslims bretheren are emotionally attached to it and that History needs to be preserved for future generation.
Minister for Art and Culture Shri Govind Gaude said State Government would make all effort to restore the collapsed wall of tank at the earilest. He said, the Safa Masjid is famous all over India and in the World as well and it is our bounden duty to protect it.He said the Safa Majid Committee Members are demanding to provide parking space by constructing retaining wall. Similarly the entrance gate is short and there is a need to widen the gate so that during emergency it would provide better acess.
Shri Gaude further said that the committee members are demanding to continue the work on extending the flyover on NH so that people could move safely in the area. He said the concern demand would be put forth before NH Officials and ASI as they are the decision making body.
On the occasion ASI officials , Safa Masjid President Mulla Murtuza and committee members were present.