Present phase of Vellore moat wall repair to be over by July
The ongoing ‘rectification’ work on the historical Vellore fort’s shore-side moat wall being carried out by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) at an estimated Rs 3 crore will be completed next year.
By : migrator
Update: 2018-03-19 18:43 GMT
Vellore
The work, being done in patches, was consuming time as the ASI was using the traditional stone-binding process used when the moat wall was first built centuries ago.
“The moat wall gets eroded due to constant exposure to water. Hence, we are using mobile cranes to lift out the original stones, clean them and then place it back using lime mortar, as done by the original builders,” officials said.
“The present job is expected to be completed by July. Similar work is being done in seven other locations on the shore-side moat wall, each at a cost of Rs 30 lakh,” officials added.
Once this work is over, the Vellore ASI unit plans to send proposals to its headquarters at New Delhi seeking approval to complete two more projects at a cost of Rs 60 lakh.
Once these two works are completed, it will mean the end of all repair. The new work will then withstand the vagaries of nature for a substantial period,” officials added.
Sources said the officials found it difficult to get workers familiar with the lime mortar process. “This initially delayed the work. But, rains will not affect work much as the stones usually stay immersed in water,” they added.
Officials said boat rides could be started in the moat once the work was over. “However, the boating service needs the support of the tourism department and the approval of the Collector. We feel this service, stopped a few years ago, will give a fresh lease of life to Vellore city, which has been listed under the smart city project” officials said.
A slew of development projects has also been planned under the smart city project. These include projects to promote tourism, indigenous arts and crafts and entrepreneurship.
Fortifying Process
- A brief look at the important aspects of the Vellore Fort
- Rayas’ marvel: Vellore Fort was constructed in the 16th-century by Vijayanagara Kings
- The fort, now maintained by ASI, was under the control of various empires, including Vijayanagara, Bijapur Sultans, Carnatic Nawabs and lastly the Britishers
- Home of 10,000 crocodiles: 10,000 crocodiles have been living in the moat during the monarchy period
- 3 salient features are the massive moat, grand ramparts, and robust masonry
- Inter-religious location: The marvellous edifice houses Jalakanteswara temple, St John’s Church and a mosque within its premises
- The first sepoy mutiny during the colonial rule erupted at this fort in 1806
- It is also a witness to the massacre of the Vijayanagara royal family of Sriranga Raya
- Royal prisoners like Tipu Sultan’s family and the last King of Sri Lanka Sri Vikrama Rajasinha were lodged in this fort during the British rule
- The massive structure surrounded by huge double walls with bastions projecting irregularly, where two carts can run simultaneously
- The fort was constructed with granites brought from quarries in nearby Arcot and Chittoor
- 133 acres is the total area of this remarkable fort considered to be among the best of military architecture in South India.
Source: Internet
Visit news.dtnext.in to explore our interactive epaper!
Download the DT Next app for more exciting features!
Click here for iOS
Click here for Android