Team Herald
VASCO: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Thursday assured that the government will restore the historic Mormugao fort within next two years.
Sawant along with Mormugao councillor Shraddha Amonkar, representatives of Mormugao Port Authority (MPA), officials of government departments and local residents visited the fort.
After inspecting the fort, Sawant said that Mormugao MLA Sankalp Amonkar currently campaigning in Maharashtra, was tirelessly following up the restoration work and also raised the matter many times in the Legislative Assembly.
He said that though joint inspections were carried out in the past, this was his first personal visit where he found the urgent need to improve the fort.
The Chief Minister stated that there were lack of facilities at the fort, even as around 5,000 square metres of land was with the Archaeology Department.
“We aim to restore and renovate this historical site as soon as possible, making it accessible and visitor-friendly.
A consultancy has already been floated, and we anticipate a restored fort within next two years.”
Sawant said that the government will also coordinate with the MPA while, the developing the fort by keeping tourism in mind.
Councillor Amonkar urged the Chief Minister to consider developing a separate access to the fort since the tourists and others were using the access from the Mormugao Port often facing restrictions.
In the past, Archaeology Minister Subhash Phal Dessai had visited Mormugao fort and had assured the local MLA that the government will take up restoration works during the financial year 2024-25.