Goa as a tourist destination needs no introduction. The smallest state in the country is the most coveted destination by both domestic as well as international tourists. The blend of Indian and Portuguese culture is what Goa is made of. However, it is unfortunate that the things that make Goa beautiful are not well preserved. The rich legacies of the Adil Shahi Fort are returning to dust. To know more read on…
The 500-year-old fort is on its brink of end due to the lack of proper maintenance. The fast-growing town is known for its rich cultural heritage buildings like temples, 16th century Safa Masjid and the ruins of Mardangad fort. Now, the remains of the 16th-century fort in Nagzar and other remains are being neglected and are getting faded away due to encroachments.
What could have been a moat around the fort is now, just ugly drainage overlooking towards the north of the fort? The ruins are now disappeared amongst the shacks and overgrowth of the main roads. Speaking about this to Times of India, a local resident named M S Mullah stated: “This fort had a tunnel linking the Safa Masjid, nearly two km towards the northwest, our elders would tell us.”
Earlier, there used to be small settlements and patch of paddy fields around the fort, but with the careless construction of buildings around its vicinity, the fort has encroached. “More than 500 laterite fort stones, much larger than the size available now for constructions, were used some decades back for the old Borim bridge and also for the repair of Safa Masjid,” another local resident said.
Last year, according to Times of India, a part of the old fort wall of the Adil Shah era in Nagzar was excavated and destroyed by water resources department (WRD) for construction of a drain. The fort is said to be ruining amongst illegal slums and garbage stuck in the drains. It is unfortunate to witness such majestic fort encroach slowly. Heritage lovers were disappointed with this move to destroy the archaeological ruins.
It is said the place was filled with greenery and beautiful views. “There were just about five houses and lots of snakes. But the dargah of Pir Abdullah Khan kept them safe,” said Mulla Muzawar, an elderly resident. According to heritage activist Prajal Sakhardande, Maratha king Sambhaji had given a land grant to the Pir in 1683. “It finds mention in a document pertaining to this Vatan — a land grant,” he said. Responding to the encroachment of the fort he said, “Whatever remains has to be conserved for posterity.”
The Heritage monuments of Goa are part of its pride, history, and culture. This unfortunate event of negligence must soon be rectified. What are your views on this? What measures can the government take up to preserve these remains?
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