Sakhali fort restoration to focus on adaptive reuse

PANAJI: The much-awaited restoration work of the centuries-old Sakhali fort will be taken up after the

Lok Sabha

elections.


The focus will be on

adaptive reuse

of the monument such as a recreation space for senior citizens as well as space where small events can be hosted, an official from the department of archaeology said.



In preparation for the work, sources say, the two public works department (PWD) offices functioning from within the fort and the shops dotting the periphery of the heritage premises will be relocated. This will give the archaeology department enough breathing space to undertake repairs.

“The fort has lost its glory due to the encroachments and other developments. The restoration will bring back the heritage value of the structure,” a senior official from the department said. “Recently, with the help of the Sakhali municipality and the efforts of the chief minister and Sakhali MLA Pramod Sawant, arrangements are underway to rehabilitate the shopkeepers at the Sakhali market complex.”

The work will include the restoration of the heritage monument’s wall and its bastion. Restoration work will also be undertaken inside the fort premises, “without affecting its heritage character.”

Plans are also afoot to set up an information gallery and a museum there.

Tenders for the work, estimated to cost Rs 2 crore, will be invited immediately after the code of conduct is lifted.