Herald: Trashed: The sad state of affairs of Chapora Fort

15 Sep 2019 | 05:35am IST

Trashed: The sad state of affairs of Chapora Fort

One of Goa’s best forts in Chapora became a big draw for tourists after the hit movie ‘Dil Chahta Hai’. However, locals are unhappy with the way it has been neglected and a recent garbage collection drive carried out by Anjuna panchayat only confirmed their worst fears. With historians complaining about the Chapora fort being robbed of its historicity, concerned citizens as well as visiting tourists have highlighted the need to preserve it. ANDREA FERNANDES speaks to them and shares what they have to say

he government has failed to keep the Chapora Fort, an enduring historical monument and prime tourism destination in Goa free from garbage. Locals and the village panchayat of Anjuna are upset with the filth and garbage accumulating and lying around this fort. They point out that it is not only bringing a bad name to the village but also to the State in general given the number of tourists that visit the fort that was built in 1717.

There are several temporary stalls located at the entrance of Chapora Fort that need to be demolished as they are adding to the garbage at the site. There are vendors seated inside the fort as well selling lime soda, water and tender coconut. The litter is dumped by the vendors inside as well as outside the fort creating a serious environmental hazard. The stall owners have no means of disposing off their waste. The fort is lacking in terms of maintenance and neither is there are not enough garbage disposal bins placed at the site.

Few months ago the Minister for Archives and Archaeology and Deputy Chief Minister Chandrakant Kavlekar told the Goa Legislative Assembly that a tender will be floated for the restoration works of this fort in a written reply to a question tabled by the Tivim MLA, Nilkanth Halankar. The government had earlier floated tenders thrice for the restoration of the fort but no response.

When Herald contacted Kavlekar to know the plans of the department, he said he was busy and would be able to give more details about the fort on Monday.

On a larger note about forts in general, Kavlekar had highlighted that the Directorate of Archives and Archaeology will be conducting a structural audit of all protected monuments in the state, including a study of their vulnerability to fire.

He had informed the Assembly that there are around 51 notified monuments and sites in Goa that are maintained by the Directorate of Archives and Archaeology, which includes caves, forts, rock engravings and water tanks.

A highly placed source from the Archaeology Department told Herald that there are over 40 protected monuments in Goa, which are being managed by the Department Of Archives and Archaeology. “There is a shortage of staff, especially when it comes to monument attendants, who are basically the caretakers of the heritage sites. It is learnt that there are only five or six monument attendants to look after the several heritage sites. At the same time the department also has a shortage of conservation assistants,” he added on the condition of anonymity.

Historian bemoans

neglect

Commenting on the condition of the fort, noted historian, Prajal Sakhardande explained that it’s a landmark fort of Goa strategically built and historically perched on a hill commanding the panoramic vast expanse of the sea and the river. It is also listed as a heritage protected historical monument by the Goa State Archaeology Department Government of Goa.

“It was built originally by the Adil Shah in the 16th century and it was taken over by the Portuguese in 1543 from Adil Shah and fully rebuilt it in 1717 during the reign of the Conde de Eritrea. Sambhaji Raja conquered it in 1683 from the Portuguese and the Portuguese took it over yet again in 1684. Thus, it’s long and chequered historicity needs to be preserved for posterity beautifully and carefully. The Chapora Fort was originally known as Shah Pur fort during the Adil Shah era,” said Prajal.“First and foremost the garbage needs to be cleared from there. The Archaeology Department has undertaken the task of building steps to lead visitors atop that is appreciated but the onus also lies on them to clear off all that disturb the forts heritage character. The department needs to have a periodic review of the maintenance of the fort to ward off any adversities. Youngsters climb up and litter the fort with beer bottles and plastic cans. At the same time, they write graffiti on its walls, which only erodes its pristine value,” he added.

Tourists deeply disappointed

A foreign tourist, Marquin Skrzypek said that the fort is a beautiful piece of heritage and that it needs to be preserved.

“Garbage is a huge menace across India. It’s sad to see that tourist spots are not maintained by the department and kept so dirty. It is a bit of effort to reach the view point, but the soothing breeze and amazing sunset view makes one feel relaxed. No doubt there is a great view of the nearby beach and lake from the top. It would be nice if the place was clean and not littered with plastics pouches, bottles and wrappers,” said Marquin.

Another tourist from Delhi, Combit said that he made the efforts to visit the fort as he was staying at a resort nearby.

“There is nothing mentioned about the fort or its history inside nor is there any literature or maintenance for this fort in ruins. All that is left is the boundary wall of the fort and nothing else. I wish the Goa tourism department wakes up and does something for it. The view from the fort of the sea is superb and so is the sunset view. As expected there was lot of trash like empty bottles strewn inside with no sign of any maintenance or any garbage disposal bins,” said Combit.

Anjuna panchayat to write to the Archives and Archaeology Department

The Anjuna panchayat along with students from St. Michael High School and the villagers had recently carried out a cleanliness drive across the village and collected 40 tonnes of garbage from across all the wards. They also picked up garbage to the tune of 12 tonnes strewn outside as well as inside this heritage and cultural site. The garbage was filled in six trucks and sent to the Goa Waste Management Corporation at Saligao. They were disturbed to find how the place was being maintained and the large amount of garbage at the site, consisting of plastic bottles, cups, noodle packets, tender coconut shells, and straws lying all around.

Following this, the Anjuna Panchayat has decided to write to the Tourism Department, Department of Archives and Archaeology as well as the respective minister putting forth their demands and grievances pertaining to the vendor menace and garbage in and around the fort. They have also stated that they are ready to work with the concerned department to safeguard the fort and the village at large.

The Sarpanch of Anjuna, Patrick Savio Almeida told Herald that over the last two years the Department of Archives and Archaeology has failed to maintain the Chapora Fort.

“The fort is in a total mess with garbage all around. We will be taking up the issue of the fort in our monthly meeting. We will put forth out demands and grievance to the concerned authorities through a letter. We want to safeguard our village and this heritage site that is situated there. Two years ago upgradation work of this fort was being carried out which is incomplete and has come to a standstill,” said Savio.

“It is the job of the Archaeology Department to maintain this fort and keep it clean. Awareness has to be created among the vendors at the fort and tourists that this fort has to be protected. Last month I have even informed the Minister for Archives and Archaeology about the fort’s condition. He said he would look into it,” added the Sarpanch.

VideosVIEW ALL

First Apple Farming in Goa

IDhar UDHAR