Berhampur, June 24: Standing silently at the confluence of the Bay of Bengal and the Rushikulya river mouth, the historic Potagarh Fort in Odisha’s Ganjam district continues to narrate the story of centuries gone by. Once a prominent administrative and military centre, the fort is now battling neglect, crumbling walls, and the threat of irreversible damage, prompting historians and heritage enthusiasts to demand immediate conservation measures.
Potagarh, regarded as the first administrative headquarters of Ganjam during British rule, is an invaluable historical landmark. The fort bears the architectural imprints of three major ruling powers in India’s history—the Mughals, the French, and the British—making it a rare testimony to multiple eras of governance and cultural influence.
The fort complex still houses remnants of elephant stables, horse stables, armouries, and secret underground tunnels that were once used for strategic movement, emergency escape routes, and trade activities. These structures offer a glimpse into the military and commercial significance of the fort in earlier centuries.
The name “Potagarh” is believed to mean a buried or submerged fort. Historians say the fort dates back several centuries and served as an important administrative base during British rule. A secret tunnel connecting the fort to waterways leading to the sea and river routes reportedly played a key role in communication and trade.
Despite its rich historical significance, the monument is rapidly deteriorating due to inadequate maintenance. Large portions of the fort’s boundary walls have weakened, while some sections have already collapsed. Heritage experts warn that without timely restoration, the site could suffer extensive damage in the coming years.
Potagarh is currently under the jurisdiction of the State Archaeology Department. Historians argue that preserving the fort is essential not only for safeguarding Odisha’s architectural heritage but also for protecting an important chapter of the state's maritime and trade history.
Adding to its historical value is the nearby British cemetery, locally known as the “Gora Kabar.” Several British soldiers, officers, and officials who died during conflicts and administrative service in the 1800s were buried there. While many graves still survive, several others have fallen into disrepair over time.
The site also features a historic pigeon tower, once used as a communication hub before the advent of postal services and telephones. Messages were reportedly sent to distant locations, including Madras, through trained pigeons. Today, the structure too remains in a dilapidated condition.
Meanwhile, concerns have also been raised over ongoing infrastructure projects around the fort. Heritage lovers and researchers allege that concrete roads, paver blocks, and other modern construction works undertaken by the Ganjam NAC are altering the fort’s original character. They further claim that portions of the fort’s walls have collapsed due to these activities.
Conservationists have urged the government and archaeological authorities to take immediate steps to restore and protect Potagarh Fort, warning that continued neglect could result in the loss of one of Odisha’s most significant historical treasures. The fort, they say, is not merely a relic of the past but a living monument that continues to tell the story of empires, trade, and cultural exchange that shaped the region’s history.
