BELLARY: Parts of the eastern entrance and adjoining wall of the historical Bellary fort collapsed on Tuesday midnight, triggering public concern.
The Bellary fort is a protected monument which is around 290 years old and was built by Sanna Ramappa Nayak of Hande community in 1720.
While the Opposition party Congress, feels it was demolished at the behest of powerful persons, the BJP and the authorities claim the entrance wall which was in a dilapidated condition, collapsed naturally following heavy rains on Tuesday evening.
The entrance wall and portions of the adjoining wall have rolled down to create huge debris, blocking the entrance road.
Authorities have cleared the area and the entrance is closed till the repair work is done, said Deputy Commissioner A A Biswas.
He said that he has sent immediate letters to the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) and to the state Archeology Department to study and take up the restoration work. Officials have been asked to submit a report within 48 hours to clarify that the lower part of the fort including the compound wall and main door comes under whose purview, he said.
The DC said the administration has planned a project to shift those living inside the fort area.