TEAM HERALD
teamherald@herald-goa.com
PANJIM: Goa’s crumbling forts which are a testimony to the State’s history may see some hope of survival as Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar disclosed his government’s decision to constitute two committees of MLAs to suggest ideas for developing tourism and archaeology.
Leader of Opposition Pratapsing Rane and St Andre MLA Vishnu Wagh would be the members of the archaeology committee.
Chief Minister on Monday also assured the Goa Assembly that he would complete the restoration of all crumbling forts within the next five years and stated that government has already identified 12 to 13 forts, which needed restoration.
According to his reply in the House, State has around 51 monuments and sites categorized as “protected.”
Parrikar stated his intentions to take up two forts for restoration every year and gave details of the conservation work of Chapora Fort in Bardez taluka and Alorna in Pernem taluka which would be taken up this year. “Restoration of forts is not an easy task. It will take time, but we assure the House to complete the work in next five years,” he said during Question Hour.
Chief Minister said that the conservation of forts will prove to be economically lucrative for the State.
MLAs including the Leader of Opposition Pratapsing Rane raised the issue of deterioration of some monuments due to neglect and exposure to natural elements. They also urged the government to conserve the old capitals of the State, especially the Kadamba capital, and excavate and preserve old structures.
Rane sought to know whether government has plans to restore the important landmarks of history such as forts and other archaeological remains in the State.
The chief minister told him that “You can put up the list of all such forts, monuments and other archaeological remains, which need to be preserved and restored.”
