Archaeological Survey of India apathy towards Chandragiri Fort

Tirupati: Exposing the sheer negligence of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in protecting ancient monuments, lightning struck the exterior portion of the tower of Chandragiri fort on Friday evening partially damaging the structure. The rain disrupted normal life in Tirupati and the surrounding areas including Chandragiri.

The heavy rains with thunderstorms not only resulted in uprooting of trees and electric poles, but also caused damage to the tower (Sikharam) of Rajamahal at Chandragiri fort. The walls of the Durbar Hall on the Rajamahal developed cracks due to lightning strikes. The presence of lightning conductors, if installed, could have prevented the damage.

Speaking to The Hans India, local ASI official who preferred to be anonymous said, “We have informed the higher authorities about the incident and steps will be taken to get the repairs done to the damaged portion. Proposals were pending with the ASI for a long time and now we will equip the building with such equipment. But it seems they need approvals from ASI, New Delhi to proceed with any type of work.

Meanwhile, there was public outcry on the incident who have been expressing their anguish over the future of the ancient structure. They were saying that the fort was a major landmark for the place since 11th century built by Vijayanagara kings. The ASI authorities have never took any steps to protect the monument. The number of tourists visiting the fort have been increasing every year.

It may be recalled that, District Collector PS Pradyumna had visited the fort in October 2017 and asked the Tourism department officials to prepare plans for overall development of the fort. He later held a meeting with local MLA Chevireddy Bhaskar Reddy and Tourism department and ASI officials.

It was decided to renovate the trekking path and steps to reach the top of the fort so that Puja activities can be started at Kalimatha temple there. Also it was decided to develop landscaping, renovate the Durbar hall and to start a restaurant on the hill opposite the fort.

It was planned to provide battery vehicles from main road to fort. “Proposals for development works worth Rs.12 crores were prepared and sent to ASI officials in New Delhi. We did not get any response from them till now” said the District Tourism Officer D Chandramouli Reddy.

Similarly, in 2008-09, Toursim department has allotted Rs.1 crore for various works which could not be spent as ASI did not give its nod.Chandragiri MLA Chevireddy Bhaskar Reddy told The Hans India that the fort was under the control of ASI and they should take every step to protect such a great monument.