Cuncolim memorials to be restored with Rs 5 cr grant

The Cuncolim Chieftain’s Memorial.

Photo Credits: Santosh Mirajkar

MARGAO
Hopes of restoring the sanctity of the two sites of historical importance – the Cuncolim Chieftain’s Memorial in honour of the Chieftains killed by the Portuguese in the 1583 revolt and the Freedom Fighters' Memorial – have brightened with government agencies preparing estimates amounting to over Rs five crore.

Both memorials have been in urgent need of restoration and maintenance for over a decade. Despite numerous pleas from citizens to renovate and preserve these sites, efforts had previously stalled.

Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao, who took up the cause of these memorials after being elected from Cuncolim in 2022, has said that the government has agreed in principle to prioritise their restoration. He said around Rs five crore will be spent to renovate and beautify the two memorials, to give a befitting tribute to the Chieftains as well as the freedom fighters from Cuncolim who fought against Portuguese rule since the 16th century.

While the Cuncolim Chieftains Memorial was erected by the trust led by the late Dr Verissimo Coutinho 25 years ago in 2000 to pay homage to the 16 Chieftains who were slain by the Portuguese after inviting them for peace talks, the Cuncolim Freedom Fighters' Memorial was erected around a decade and a half ago during the tenure of former Cuncolim MLA and Urban Development Minister Joaquim Alemao.

“My father Joaquim had erected the Cuncolim Freedom Fighters Memorial to pay tribute to the freedom fighters from Cuncolim who shed their blood for the cause of freedom from colonial powers. The memorial was designed by eminent consultant Rahul Deshpande, with a red pole at the complex symbolising the blood shed by the freedom fighters during the liberation movement. After my persistent efforts, the government-appointed architect is planning the renovation design for the Freedom Fighters' Memorial. The consultant is also being brought on board to restore the memorial,” he said.

As for the Cuncolim Chieftain’s Memorial, the Leader of the Opposition said the memorial will be restored to its pristine glory. “The Chieftain’s Memorial will soon become an important place for tourism as people from across Goa and outside have been visiting the site, especially those studying Goa’s history,” he added.