Good news for all those who take a keen interest in the History of Goa, the ‘Rome of the Orient’! Over the past three years a total of 7.82 crores has been allotted towards Protected Monuments in Goa. Currently a total of twenty-one Protected monuments under 100 years old have been funded.
Goa is visited by large numbers of international and domestic tourists each year for its heritage monuments and architecture. These heritage monuments comprise largely of Churches, Temples, Forts, Caves etc. Protecting these monuments is of prime importance.
The Union Minister of State for Culture and Tourism, Mahesh Sharma informed Rajya Sabha Minister of Parliament, Shantaram Naik about the same. The Central Government has been funding the Protected Monuments and Historical Buildings over the years.
In the financial year 2015-16, 240.99 lakh, was given to these monuments. Prior to that, 397.36 lakh was given in 2014-15 and 144.50 lakh in 2013-14, thus helping to preserve these precious monuments for posterity. One classic example is the Reis Magos Fort in Betim, Verem. It was hardly visible a few years ago, with overgrown trees and creepers blanking out its beauty. Today, however, it has been restored and used as an art museum. Its beauty is clearly visible from across the Mandovi.
Hats-off to the Government on their endeavours!
