Panaji, 13th August – Goa Archaeology Minister Subhash Phal Desai announced in the Goa Legislative Assembly on 8th August the important decision to notify the historic Mardangad Fort for its protection and conservation. This announcement was made while responding to a private member resolution presented by Vasco MLA Krishna alias Daji Salkar.
The Mardangad Conservation Committee congratulated MLA Krishna Salkar, Minister Subhash Phal Desai, and the Goa Government for this decision, stating that it was the result of the campaign undertaken by the Committee. The announcement was shared at a press conference held in Panjim, addressed by Satyavijay Naik, State Organizer of Hindu Janajagruti Samiti, historian Sachin Madage, and Jayesh Thali of the Gomantak Mandir Mahasangh. The event was attended by Nilesh Naik, Manoj Gavkar, Suchendra Agni, and Swapnil Naik.
The Mardangad Fort in Ponda is the only fort personally built by Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj and is a symbol of his courage and valour. In the Assembly, Minister Subhash Phal Desai assured the conservation, beautification, and construction of an access road to the fort.
The Mardangad Conservation Committee has also urged Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to establish a “Fort Development Authority” in Goa, similar to Maharashtra, to ensure the conservation and protection of all forts in the state. This, they say, will help preserve and promote Goa’s historical heritage sites.
In view of the conservation of Mardangad, the following demands have been placed before the Government:
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Research and document the history of Mardangad and notify it at the earliest.
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Install an information board at Mardangad displaying the history of the fort.
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Include details about Mardangad, built by Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, in school textbooks so that future generations are aware of it.
