Goa churches to get added lightning protection

The conservation agency is likely to enlist the help of state electricity department in further strengthening the lightning protection systems.

(Photo: goaproperty4u.com)

Panaji:  The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is planning to install additional lightning protection systems in the centuries-old monuments at Old Goa as an extra shield in severe weather.

The tall churches, convents and other edifices, which tower into the sky are vulnerable to the stroke of lightning. Se Cathedral, one of the largest churches in the whole of Asia, is perhaps one of the worst affected by damage caused by such natural disaster to heritage monuments in Goa.

ASI authorities had initiated steps to install extra lightning conductors after lightning struck the cathedral on October 10, 2014. The roof and one of the gables of the cathedral were damaged. On June 4, another lightning strike damaged a pillar and small part of the roof of Basilica of Bom Jesus.

The damage may be considered insignificant in both cases if compared to the disastrous lightning strike of 1776 that knocked off the twin towers of the cathedral. The northern tower was not rebuilt and the 17th century monument still stands with only a single tower housing the golden bell.

"We will install additional lightning conductors in centrally-protected monuments at Old Goa," an ASI official stated.

Se Cathedral, Church of St Cajetan, Basilica of Bom Jesus, Church and convent of St Francis of Assisi, Chapel of St Catherine, Church of Our Lady of Rosary, St Augustine's tower and ruins, Viceroy's Arch are some of the heritage monuments are maintained by ASI at Old Goa.

A final approval is awaited from ASI, New Delhi, and the conservation agency is likely to enlist the help of state electricity department in further strengthening the lightning protection systems.

The lightning conductors pass the electricity into the earth. But without such a system, the lightning can be absorbed by the structure and damage the masonry or spark a fire to wooden material due to extreme heating.

ASI was criticized in some quarters for the damage, though of a minor nature, caused to Se Cathedral in 2014 due to suspicion that the systems were non-functional. "We test the systems much before the onset of the monsoon," an ASI official said.

Source: Times of India