The famed Jaisalmer Fort, which has withstood the ravages of time for nearly 1,000 years, and is today a world famous monument known as Sonar Kella or the Golden Fort, is coming undone due to sewage lines and illegal construction.
Archaeological Survey of India's apathy is underlined by a signage at the base of the fort that does not talk about its history, but warns, "This wall is in a dilapidated state. Please do not go close to it. It can crumble anytime." This sign has been there for over six months, but the conservation proposal for the fort is gathering mould at ASI office.
Hundreds of families live in the unique 'living fort'. The fragility of the walls made a disaster management team organize a meeting to discuss alternate routes for evacuating people in case the walls fall.
In August 2011, a 40x20 feet stretch of the wall collapsed due to rain. ASI Jaipur, sent a Rs 1-crore proposal for repair to headquarters in Delhi. But far from getting a sanction, no official even visited it for an inspection. "Repair work will start after Delhi's approval," said Jamal Hasan, ASI's Rajasthan in-charge.
For eight years, Rs 6.5 crore meant for its conservation is lying with National Culture Fund, the nodal agency. Its representative Yamini Mobarta said the money remains unutilized because there's no "green signal" from ASI.
Archaeological Survey of India's apathy is underlined by a signage at the base of the fort that does not talk about its history, but warns, "This wall is in a dilapidated state. Please do not go close to it. It can crumble anytime." This sign has been there for over six months, but the conservation proposal for the fort is gathering mould at ASI office.
Hundreds of families live in the unique 'living fort'. The fragility of the walls made a disaster management team organize a meeting to discuss alternate routes for evacuating people in case the walls fall.
In August 2011, a 40x20 feet stretch of the wall collapsed due to rain. ASI Jaipur, sent a Rs 1-crore proposal for repair to headquarters in Delhi. But far from getting a sanction, no official even visited it for an inspection. "Repair work will start after Delhi's approval," said Jamal Hasan, ASI's Rajasthan in-charge.
For eight years, Rs 6.5 crore meant for its conservation is lying with National Culture Fund, the nodal agency. Its representative Yamini Mobarta said the money remains unutilized because there's no "green signal" from ASI.
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