Chandor to host Heritage Festival annually

Chandor is likely to be the permanent host for an annual Heritage Festival disclosed MLA Yuri Alemao at a meeting held with the Village Development Committee members in the presence of Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation Officials.

Disclosing that he has discussed developing Chandor as a heritage village with the chief minister twice, he said there was a need to have a heritage square in the village where the heritage festival can be held.

While admitting that getting necessary No Objection Certificate from land owners could be a problem, he however assured that private interest of individuals will not be affected and added that some sacrifices may have to be made here and there.

Strongly mooting for a road map to develop Chandor as a heritage village, he said that historian Prajal Sakhardande will be part of the team planning and executing the heritage village plan and said things will start moving in earnest once the consultant is appointed.

“We can start by commencing work on land already belonging to the government where no NOC will be required,” he said while suggestint that the area on the side of the road from Alma Khuris onwards could be beautified with tree plantation and benches for people to relax.

Historian Prajal Sakhardande who was also present, stressed the need to preserve the remnants of the first Fort in Goa with the ASI extending its jurisdiction over the ruins of Shiva temple to include the mounds of the fort visible at present.

“Actually every village in Goa is a heritage village but Chandor is unique because it was the first capital of the region,” he said adding that all the historic places need to be visited before preparing any plans.

He named some of the sites of the old fort which are still visible and strongly suggested that the gates fo the fort be at least identified with sign boards explaining their significance.

Responding to panchayat member Hipolito Dias, the MLA said that existing houses and ownership will not be affected, but only the mounds of the fort could be notified and said he will try to raise this matter in the ensuing assembly session.

GSIDC Managing Director Harish Adconkar said the chief minister was very keen on developing the village as Heritage Village and added that they wanted to make provisions in the budget to be presented for next financial year.

“We can start working on land belonging to the government like the area adjacent to the road leading from Alma Khuris or the government primary school,” he said.

Chandor VDC Chairman Julio D’Silva had suggested that the abandoned Government Primary School adjacent to the Shiva temple ruins be converted into a museum displaying a model of the old Kadamba fort.

Ex-Sarpanch Edward D’Silva while pointing oout that Fabrica was hesitant to give NOC because they fear they will lose their land, suggested that the church authorities be explained that the NOC sought was only for the purpose of construction and land would remain with them after the construction was over.

Former Director of Handicrafts, Government of India, Irwin Antao suggested that a delegation including some villagers visit some heritage villages in the country like Old Pondicherry, Meghalaya.

The MLA along with GSIDC officials, Prajal and some villagers then visited some of the historic sites in Cotta which encompass the area within the old fort.