Quepem :
It is important that historical monuments need to be protected & preserved. I demand that Government must take immediate steps to restore the Betul Fort and install the Statue of Great Maratha Warrior Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, stated Quepem MLA Altone D’Costa.
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.
I also demand that area of the said Fort must be freed from the control of the Customs Department. People of Quepem Constituency were provided with the lip service of removing the Fort from the control of Customs by the previous MLA but in reality, nothing was done, Altone D’Costa said.
Betul Fort was built in 1679 under the guidance of Great Maratha King Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. This historic monument should be refurbished, restored, and protected, Altone D’Costa said.
This Fort was taken over by the Portuguese and remained under their control till the Liberation of Goa. There is one Canon at the Fort. The government has declared the Fort a “Protected Site” but it needs urgent attention, claimed Altone D’Costa.
Betul Fort is a gifted location. Visitors to the Fort get a panoramic view of River Sal and the Arabian Sea. Restoration of this Fort will boost Tourism in this area. I hope Government will take steps to respect the Legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji, Altone D’Costa said.
