Vellore MLA challenges ASI move to set up park near Vellore fort

While a section of the original fort maidan in front of the MP Sarathi maligai has been already converted into a park, the current move to extend the park by one more acre in front of the CSI central church has drawn criticism all round. In addition to moving the court, Karthikeyan said he has also written to the President, PM, Governor, chief secretary, Culture Ministry, government of India and the Culture Minister, seeking to ensure that the present empty spot continued to remain vacant.

In his letters, Karthikeyan said the fort maidan had witnessed many historic  events, including addresses by former  PMs Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi, former chief ministers CN Annadurai, K Kamaraj, M Karuna nidhi, MG Ramachandran and J Jayalalithaa and was also the only public space for locals. In the letter he said, “If the proposed move materialises, the historical significance of the fort grounds will be lost and exhibitions and public meetings cannot be held thereafter.” “The town has no alternative site and hence the ASI should desist from its move to extend the park,” he added.

There seems to be some truth in it as the government exhibition — held in the fort maidan  for years — and was shifted to a private location next to the new bus stand this year, saw gate collections slumping steeply from the usual Rs 12 lakh to just Rs 3.48 lakh. Vellore ASI officials said, “The MLA’s letter has been sent to the Chennai circle office which has been asked to examine it on a priority basis.” Department sources said the one-acre site has been already handed over to the Mysuru-based ASI horticultural wing for park work.