Team Herald
MARGAO: The facade of the St Rock Church at Tollecanto, Velim collapsed on Tuesday possibly due to water seepage.
The original chapel, which is at least 130 years old, was elevated to a church nearly two decades ago.
Fr Allan Travasso said, “The Church was supposed to undergo renovation for which they had applied for permission from the Town and Country Planning Department and also with the local panchayat for the construction of a new façade. The water seepage has weakened the facade and the walls supporting the structure. The walls turned weak due to the moisture and withering.”
“The permissions for the restoration were delayed due to the pandemic. As the structure was weak the regular religious services were stopped,” Fr Travasso added.