CALANGUTE: Residents of the Calangute coastal belt have demanded that Aguada jail be renovated without any major changes, while the Calangute MLA and former Calangute sarpanches have suggested that Aguada jail be converted into a museum dedicated to Goa’s freedom struggle.
“Aguada jail should be maintained as a museum and aquarium considering the popularity of the area. A museum can be created to depict Goa’s freedom struggle as the younger generation are not aware of the sacrifices of our freedom fighters. An aquarium will help generate income for the maintenance, and entry fees can also be charged. The nearby hills can also be used for hiking. Buses should be provided to ferry tourists from Sinquerim to Aguada jail,” said Parab, former Calangute Sarpanch and president of the Bardez block of Goa Panchayat Mahila Shakti Abhiyan.
Former Calangute sarpanch Laxman Parab added, “Aguada is derived from Aqua, which means water. An aquarium at the jail site would be ideal. Also, the Calangute coastal villages are lacking in important historical venues. The creation of a museum will be something to boast about.”
Candolim social activist George Fernandes demanded that government turn the jail into a museum instead of focusing on bringing casinos into the area.
Meanwhile, Calangute MLA Michael Lobo felt that Aguada jail should be converted into a museum with light and sound shows and an entry fee that would go towards the jail’s maintenance.
He continued, “The prison cells can showcase the freedom fighters’ movement. The old canons at the site should be renovated and preserved for the future generations of Goa. The museum will benefit schools in the locality, while it can also become a tourist hotspot in the years to come. Also, the jail should not be given to any private party for any commercial activities considering its historical importance.”
