Panaji: The restoration and conservation work of the historic Mormugao Fort is gaining momentum, with the directorate of archaeology confirming that the proposal received administrative approval and is in the final stages of consultant selection.The scrutiny committee recommended a consultant for the project, and a formal work order will be issued after the finance department’s clearance, said archaeology minister Subhash Phal Dessai during the monsoon assembly session in response to MLA Sankalp Amonkar.The fort, which dates back to the 17th century and holds historical and architectural value for Goa, has been in a state of neglect for years. Restoration efforts are expected to preserve its crumbling structures and improve accessibility and amenities for visitors.The Mormugao Port Authority (MPA) issued a no-objection certificate for the creation of a separate access route to the fort. The proposed pathway will be carved out from adjoining land, and the demarcation process is in progress. The lack of direct access has long been a barrier to tourism and maintenance.Phal Dessai also clarified that the nearby Vice Regal Palace, located within the MPA premises, is not a protected monument and has not been formally handed over by the MPA to the department of archaeology.The department also stated that provisions for water supply and public toilets at Mormugao Fort will be included in the restoration plan.
