On a field trip to the St Estevam Fort, one expects natural beauty steeped in history, and an outing to a time that will pre-date even Goa’s colonial history. However, on a recent expedition, the History Lovers Group (HLG), were shocked to find out that the timeless site had become a haven for anti social elements and have called for better measures to preserve and protect the Fort.
“Along with our group members, we had visited the St Estevam Fort in Juvem. When we entered the fort, we were shocked to to see the conditions there. We found broken alcohol bottles, cigarette packets thrown on the ground, and a lot of other garbage stocked inside the storage room. The walls have been spoilt due to all the writing/graffiti on it,” said Yogesh Nagvenkar, founder of HLG.
“This fort has been restored by the government department and as per as per regulations the gates of the fort have to be sealed by nightfall, but from what I can see, all the gates are wide opene, which gives the opportunity for anti social activities to arise within the fort. I think that the locals and the panchayat of this village have to take a stand on these irregularities, as these activities are not justifiable near any historical place, which the village is known for,” added Yogesh.
HLG members further explain that the fort has a great historic value dating back to the time it was captured by Adilshah’s forces, followed by the Portuguese and later Sambhaji Maharaj, followed again by the Portuguese. “It holds its historic value due to its strategic location, from where the empires could keep an eye on Narve, Dicholim, Divar and the Mandovi river surrounding the island. Just a few metres away, you can see a beautiful Holy Structure on which stands Lord Jesus. This place is regularly visited by the locals of the village, as it provides a beautiful views of the Flocking Nature of Goa,” added Yogesh.
