Goemkarponn Desk
PANAJI: The state’s Central Library has sustained significant damage as a result of the recent intense rains and wind that the capital city of Panaji has experienced, with part of the building’s roof blowing off.
The building’s sixth level, which houses an important collection of rare Portuguese books, including a historic volume from 1524, is seeping water. About 40,487 books, bound periodicals, and magazines in Portuguese, French, Latin, Italian, Konkani, and other languages are kept on the floor as a collection of Portuguese literature. These books were purchased before to the Liberation.
Water seeping into the sixth-floor book shelves due to a roof sheet blowing off. In response, the library staff covered the book shelves with plastic sheets to prevent additional damage, and they moved books that had been exposed to moisture outside to dry, but many of them were still damp.
“There has been extensive water damage,” stated a staff member of the library. We’ve used plastic to cover the damp shelves and bags to collect any further water that may have leaked onto the floor. Inconveniencing guests and employees, the water has also seeped into the fifth story, affecting the floor below.
In the interim, measures are being taken to ensure that the library remains accessible by cleaning and mopping the impacted portions of the facility.
“We have informed the PWD about the severity of the damage,” said Sagun Velip, Director of Art and Culture. “They have inspected the site and assured us that restoration work will begin as soon as rain subsides,” he said.
Stating that the incident occurred some four to five days ago, Velip said finding an expert to address the issue has been challenging.
