Eastern Command to open Fort William for historical & heritage tours

Kolkata, December 17: Eastern Command is considering to open the Fort William in Kolkata for historical and heritage tours for the people. Army Commander Lt General Anil Chauhan yesterday said, the Vijay Smarak would be open to the public on Sundays and public holidays for the people for paying homage to the slain soldiers. He said Fort William could be opened for historical and heritage kind of tours on a limited basis initially.

 

 

The Army commander said the 1971 war had a special significance for the Eastern Command and for Kolkata as it was the headquarters that was controlling the war. He added that it was from Kolkata that the war was directed and the impact of the war was felt by the city more than anyone else. Meanwhile, as a part of the 48th Vijay Diwas celebrations, commemorating the victory of Indian Forces and the Mukti Bahini over Pakistani Forces during the 1971 war, a memorial service was held at Vijay Smarak on Monday at the Fort William.

Fort William built during the early years of the Bengal Presidency of British India. It sits on the eastern banks of the River Hooghly, the major distributary of the River Ganges. One of Kolkata's most enduring Raj-era edifices, it extends over an area of 70.9 hectares.

The fort was named after King William III. In front of the Fort is the Maidan, the largest park in the city. An internal guard room became the Black Hole of Calcutta.