Goa to restore forts to attract tourists
PTI, PANAJI | 12 August 2014 18:37 IST
The upcoming tourism masterplan for Goa will include restoration of several forts which are in a dilapidated condition, State Tourism Minister Dilip Parulekar said on Tuesday.
Parulekar told the State Legislative Assembly that the consultants, who will prepare the tourism masterplan, have been already appointed and they will be asked to ensure restoration of such forts.
The minister said these forts which are of historical importance can be a major tourist attraction.
The question was raised on the floor of the House by BJP MLA Vishnu Surya Wagh who pointed out that several forts are crumbling as they are not maintained by the government.
Parulekar said the forts are protected by State Archaeology Department, but Tourism Department will join hands in their preservation.
"We will start preserving them as soon as possible. The consultants would be asked to give priority to these forts in the masterplan," he added.
This is indeed a positive step taken up the Parrikar government.
The last time I visited Goa, I was happy to see the restoration work done at the Reis Magos fort. I hope that in the near future, the government makes sure that all Goan forts are restored to their former glory and open to the public.
Forts need to be restored. In addition to attracting tourists, these forts also help our children to know our past.
Some forts are crumbling. If our government and ASI work together, the forts can easily be restored. Let our future generations see our past glory.