MARGAO
Stressing on the need to protect and preserve historical monuments, Quepem MLA Altone D’Costa has demanded that the government must take immediate steps to restore the Betul Fort and install statue of Great Maratha Warrior Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
He was speaking after accompanying Satara MLA Srimant Chatrapati Shivendrasinha Raje Bhosale to Shree Shantadurga Kuncolienkarin Temple at Fatorpa. Archeology Minister Subhash Phaldessai was also present.
He further demanded that the area of the said fort must be freed from the control of Customs Department. “People of Quepem constituency were provided with the lip service of removing the fort from control of Customs by the previous MLA but in reality nothing was done,” Altone said.
He added: “Betul Fort was built in 1679 under the guidance of Great Maratha King Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. This historic monument should be refurbished, restored and protected. This fort was taken over by the Portuguese and remained under their control till liberation of Goa. There is one canon at the fort. Government has declared the fort as “Protected Site” but it needs urgent attention.”
Saying the Betul Fort is a gifted location, he said visitors to the fort get a panoramic view of River Sal and Arabian Sea. “Restoration of this Fort will boost tourism in this area. I hope government will take steps to respect the legacy of Chatrapati Shivaji,” Altone added.
