VASCO
Minister of Archaeology Subhash Phaldessai has stated that while industrialisation and development of port is important, the government cannot ignore Goa’s historical and heritage sites.
Phaldessai said the heritage Viceregal Palace at Headland Sada, which was built sometime around 1705, is in very bad shape without any maintenance after being taken over by Mormugao Port Authority (MPA).
“I will explore the possibility of restoring the former glory of the building after taking MPA into confidence and open the site for public to carry forward the history of Goa to future generations,” he said.
“The Viceregal Palace is in the MPA area and covered by gates. MPA officials are cooperating with us and we have seen that the MPA has taken the site in their possession. The site is in a very bad condition and while MPA took it under their possession, they never allowed anyone to do any kind of restoration. We will try and see whether MPA can restore this site or the Government will have to do it.”
“We will explore all possibilities to restore these historic sites and open it to the people. Industrialisation and development of port is important but we cannot ignore our glorious historical and heritage sites and kill them,” added Phaldessai.
Mormugao MLA Sankalp Amonkar said Phaldessai is the first minister to visit the Viceregal Palace.
“We want access to this structure so that people can visit the heritage structures present in Mormugao and get knowledge about our great history," said Amonkar.
The Viceregal Palace alias Old Palace Hotel is reportedly the oldest standing non-religious building in Mormugao, which was constructed sometime between 1702 and 1705.
