While the State government faithfully extols the virtues of Shivaji every year on February 19, there seems little enthusiasm to preserve the one symbol of the legendary Maratha king’s military might at Sattari taluka.
That the government has ignored the importance of the Nanus fort in Sattari and does not even feel the need to protect the historic structure appears evident from information collected by Adv Shivaji Desai, convenor of Sattari Itihas Sanvardhan Samiti (SISS).
“Information obtained by me from the Directorate of Archives and Archaeology under the Right to Information Act has revealed that the State government has not declared the historic Nanus fort in Sattari taluka as a protected monument/site of the State,” lamented Adv Desai.
Claiming this monument has played a key role in Goa’s history, Adv Dessai informed, “On January 26, 1852, Deepaji Rane, a freedom fighter from Sattari, started his agitation from Nanus Fort as a base of revolt against the Portuguese. The Nanus Fort, which was built by Shivaji in the 17th century, was used as a base during the revolts by Deepaji Rane. At presently, the fort is in a dilapidated condition and needs special attention,” remarked Adv Desai.
“The Directorate of Archives and Archaeology did not conduct any survey of the Nanus Fort, as it is not included in the list of protected monuments and sites of the State. Also, no steps have been taken by authorities to preserve the Nanus Fort as a historical monument,” said Adv Desai.
“Till date, the Department of Archaeology hasn’t even visited the old house of Kranteeveer Deepaji Rane. This is shameful. People who forget their history will not create history. The question is, why did the government not take steps to declare the Nanus fort as historic monument,” asked Adv Desai.
“We should ask this question to our representatives. The SISS has already submitted a memorandum to the government to preserve the Nanus fort. If the government decides not to take any step in this regard, then the only option left is to fight a legal battle in the High Court to force the government to declare the Nanus fort as a historic monument,” Adv Desai warned.
Recently, the SISS submitted a memorandum to Valpoi Municipal Council Chairperson Ramdas Shirodkar in the presence of VMC Chief Officer Amir Parab demanding to preserve the Nanus fort.
Agreeing with the SISS, Sattari Jagruk Yuva Manch President Vishwesh Parob felt that if renovation or preservation of the fort is done by the government, it could become a popular tourist spot with a serene environment.
Former Pissurlem sarpanch Deepaji Rane added that developing the fort and the surrounding would have added benefits to the locals.
“Water sports activity in the Mhadei River near the fort would attract tourists. Locals will also get an opportunity for self employment,” stated Rane.
In its efforts to highlight the condition of the Nanus fort, the SISS had organised a debate ‘Past, Present and Future Sattari’ at the Nanus fort on Republic Day.
Freedom fighters including Shivajirao Dessai, senior citizens and prominent social activists from Sattari and others had participated in the debate.
People from all walks of life, who attended the function in large numbers, had also assured to help the SISS to install the statue of Deepaji Rane at Nanus fort.
