Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The Goa government has acknowledged the existence of Mardan Gad Fort in Ponda taluka but clarified that it is not yet a notified or protected monument under either the state or central archaeology departments.
Responding to a starred LAQ tabled by MLA Krishna Salkar, the government said that the Department of Archaeology is aware of the remains of the fort and that it will undertake surveys and follow due procedures to consider notification and conservation of such unprotected sites.
While there is no specific timeline set for Mardan Gad’s protection, the department stated that notification and protection are continuous processes. Any new monument or site is subject to examination, survey, and procedural formalities before being notified.
On the question of promoting unprotected forts like Mardan Gad as cultural tourism sites, the government said the recently notified Goa Heritage Policy 2025 provides a framework for conservation efforts based on global best practices. However, since Mardan Gad is currently not a protected site, no funding or proposals have been considered so far. The possibility of inclusion will be explored after due examination.
The government also informed that local bodies are involved in the maintenance of sites linked to Goa’s liberation and that heritage promotion activities are carried out in association with educational institutions and local clubs.
