PANIM: The State government has urged the Centre to exclude Cabo-de-Rama fort and Chapora fort from the purview of the ‘Adopt of Heritage’ scheme, since the restoration work of both the monuments are under process of the Department of Archives and Archaeology. The State has asked the private player Drishti Lifesaving Pvt Ltd, who was shortlisted as a Monument Mitra for these two forts, to recommend new sites for adoption.
As many as 17 State monuments were proposed for adoption by the Centre that include the churches of Old Goa – Basilica of Bom Jesus, Cabo-de-Rama fort, Chapora fort, Aguada fort and lighthouse, Morjim beach amongst others. While the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) maintains world heritage church complex at Old Goa, the others come under the protected list of Archaeology Department.
Speaking to Herald, Assistant Superintending Archaeologist Dr Varad Sabins said the scheme is currently on hold as they have sought the exclusion of Cabo-de-Rama fort and Chapora fort from the adoption list. “We have already taken up restoration of five monuments by spending around Rs 18 to Rs 20 crore. This includes Cabo-de-Rama fort and Chapora fort also,” he said.
Sabins said that for Chapora fort, they are developing a new access, as currently there is no proper entry to the historic site.
“The department supports the scheme and hence it has asked Drishti to recommend two new sites for adoption. We are waiting for their response,” he said.
Apart from Drishti, V-Resorts is another private firm that has been shortlisted to be a ‘Monument Mitra’ in Goa, under the project that aims to develop the monuments, heritage and tourist sites across India by inviting corporate entities, public sector companies or individuals to ‘adopt’ them for a period of five years.
In Phase I, the projects include Cabo-de-Rama fort and Chapora fort, while in phase II of the project Old Goa Church Cluster, Aguada Fort and Light House, Morjim Beach will be taken up for adoption. In Phase III Basilica Bom Jesus, Goa will be adopted by V-Resorts.
