CHITRADURGA: THE Archeological Survey of India (ASI) is going to renovate the historic ‘Rock Fort’ in Chitradurga. A proposal in this regard has already been forwarded to the government.
The ASI has planned to remove the weeds and vegetation that have grown over the fort’s walls, as it is causing damage to the historic structure. There is also a proposal to reconstruct the damaged structure.
A copy of the proposal is available with Express where the sub-circle office of the ASI in Chitradurga has forwarded a request with the details of the work, to the head office, at an estimate of `60,000. ASI deputy director R Girish told Express, “We are not felling all the trees in the Chitradurga rock fort. The rumours circulating that trees will be cut down are false.”
“We want to protect this historic monument by removing unwanted vegetation from the fortified walls. A proposal regarding the same has been forwarded to the government, and the department will give final approval in this regard. The total cost of the project is estimated to be `60,000,” he added.
“The roots of many plants are spreading deep inside the guide walls of the fort, which is causing severe damage to the structure. If they are not removed, the structure will become dilapidated,” he said.
“We understand that drought and dry weather are prevailing in the region. The department is in no mood to remove even a single tree. We will prune the branches and roots of trees that pose a threat to the structure,” said Girish.