He was speaking at the inauguration of the restored Alorna Fort in Pernem, in the presence of Chairman of Goa Housing and Rural Habitat Sustainable Development Infrastructure Corporation (GHRSSIDC) and Pernem MLA Pravin Arlekar, Secretary (Archaeology) Prasad Lolayekar, Director of Archaeology Dr Nilesh B. Fal Dessai, officials from the Department of Archaeology, sarpanchas, panchas, and others.
The event, organised by the Department of Archaeology, marked the completion of a major restoration project aimed at conserving one of Goa’s important historical forts while improving public access and awareness.
The Chief Minister said that reaching different forts by road takes time, and the government is therefore exploring sea routes to help tourists visit multiple forts across Goa in less time.
He informed that the first phase of restoration of Alorna Fort has been completed at a cost of Rs 66 lakh. In the second phase, a protective wall, conservation and upgrading of inner chambers, and an information centre for researchers and students will be developed.
Sawant said the government remains committed to conserving forts in Goa and added that work on Farmagudi Fort will be completed in the coming months.
Pernem MLA Pravin Arlekar thanked the Chief Minister and Archaeology Minister Subhash Phaldesai for the restoration work at Alorna Fort.
Secretary (Archaeology) Prasad Lolayekar and Director of Archaeology Dr Nilesh B. Fal Dessai also spoke at the event.
Among those present were ZP members Raghoba Kambli and Shrikrishna Harmalkar, and sarpanchas Ashok Dhavaskar (Ibrampur), Bala Shetkar (Chandel-Hasapur), Subodh Mahale (Tambose-Ugve), and Gauri Josalkar (Warkhand-Nagzar).
