Team Herald
PANJIM: Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) is set to restore the former Aguada Central Jail. In line with the concept at British-built Dhagshai Jail in Himachal Pradesh and Cellular Jail in Andaman, GTDC’s Rs 28 crore project is aimed at converting the Portuguese-era Aguada Jail into a museum.
“Aguada Jail is well known not only as a prison but for its history and heritage. Now a vacant structure, GTDC has requested the government to make it a tourist spot and we have started working on a project that will preserve the heritage structure and showcase Goa’s freedom struggle. It will be a tribute to the heroic deeds and glorious sacrifices of those who took part in Goa’s Liberation,” GTDC Chairman Nilesh Cabral said.
The prison has been vacant since May 30, last year as the inmates were shifted to the new Correctional Home at Colvale.
GTDC has taken into confidence Goa Heritage Action Group and Goa’s freedom fighters for the restoration project. “We have solicited views and suggestions from the two groups,” an official said.
Goa Heritage Action Group’s Prajal Sakhardande said, “We are happy with the project proposal. We are confident that this project once completed will enhance the history and heritage of the Jail. This place will be a happening place and GTDC and Goa Tourism should ensure that it remains in public domain.”
One of the major highlights will be bringing to life the Goa freedom struggle through sound and light shows and paying tributes to young men and women who sacrificed their lives for Goa’s Liberation.
The master plan includes creating activity zones, viewing galleries, amenity zones, tourist information centres, improvement of temple and chapel areas, improving the prison cells, prison corridors, walls, pathways, seating area, water fountains, illumination of the jail campus, café, improvement of the aquifer duct area and a lot more.
