Karnataka   

Controversy over fort restoration rages

PANAJI: The controversy over the ongoing restoration work of the sixteenth century Reis Magos Fort in north Goa continues to rage, with more people raising their voice of dissent.

The initial opposition came from local Shiv Sena activists under the aegis of the Goa Environment and Ecology Trust that sought the intervention of the police as well as a magistrate’s court in north Goa. But the authorities continued to assert that they have not tried to tamper with the original structure.

The objection seems to be regarding the reconstruction of a certain structure as well as the installation of a lift, which it is said would mar the originality of the fort.

Gerard Da Cunha, architect in-charge of the renovation work, has said that the structure was old and unsafe, and had to be completely dismantled. The lift, he said, was meant for carrying people with disabilities and the elderly. Saleigao Dilip Parulekar, local BJP MLA, has also backed the activists. What seems to have raised eyebrows over the project is that the MoU pertains not only to restoration of the historic fort, but also to its reuse for at least 15 years. But the details of how exactly the fort would be re-use are not included in the MoU.

Among those who have met Mr. Da Cunha recently are members of the Verem Citizens for Social Justice, Nerul Citizens Committee, the Communist Party of India, and the local panchayat.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

Deemed status: Bangalore University breaks its own rules?
Arrested
Artisans seek cheaper loans
A carver with a love for soap
Interview
Protest
Bus service flagged off
Falls to death
Is incentive for milk a boon or a bane?
Documentaries under Bharatayana
KIOCL to spend Rs. 425 cr. on three new projects
Vascular Day to be observed
Doctors reattach severed arm
Controversy over fort restoration rages
Shops burgled
Several leaders attend funeral of Srikantappa
Henchmen of quarry owner intimidate journalists
79,000 people register for job scheme in Chamarajanagar
ENGAGEMENTS
Water adalat

Copyright © 2008, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu