History crumbles: Ancient cannons go missing from island fort and encroachment is rampant while ASI turns a blind eye
The centuries-old Arnala Fort, one of the state's iconic historical structures, is bearing the brunt of utter neglect. With the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) paying a visit once in a blue moon, ancient cannons have been stolen and sold to scrap dealers, while the fort's interiors have been defaced and encroachments have sprung up within the premises, with locals even growing vegetables inside.
The Arnala Fort was built in 1516 by the then Sultan of Gujarat Mahmood Begada. It was later conquered by the Portuguese in 1530, again taken over by the Marathas, and rebuilt by Bajirao in 1737. The fort was earlier called 'Janjire Arnala', but was renamed the 'Ilha Das vacas' by the Portuguese. The fort was finally maintained by the British. The only way to reach it is through a ferry.
"The fort had strategic importance during wars as it is located near the mouth of the Vaitarna river and has been surrounded by water from four sides. The waterways could be easily marked due to its height and it was used for the storage of cannons and cannon balls, which have been stolen. The locals found then and informed the ASI, but when no one came to collect it, as they sold them in scrap markets,"
said Bharti Vaiti, sarpanch of Arnala Fort village.
"ASI officials visit the fort once in a blue moon and plan the restructuring and beautification of the fort. But visitors deface the place and often drink alcohol in the premises," added Vaiti.
Many antiques have been stolen, and one of the cannons, which was installed in the temple by locals, has been plastered with white paint and tampered with.
"Unaware of the importance of the fort, locals now grow vegetables and have built illegal structures. This is a serious offence and strict action should be taken against them, said Shridatta Raut, historian from Vasai Kille Mohim.
Despite repeated calls and messages, Kailashnath Shinde, sub-in-charge of ASI and in-charge of Vasai Fort, remained unavailable for the comment.
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