VIJAYAWADA: The archeological heritage of the city is being restored and developmental work set to start in its museums and ancient caves. As the Government of India recently released a fund of about Rs. 3.2 crore for its development, Bapu Museum, also known as Coastal Museum, is going to wear an international look soon.The museum, which was built in 1887 and had been shut for the past two years, would be open soon with new attractions like the 3-D scene of freedom fighter Pingali Venkaiah presenting a design of the National Flag to Mahatma Gandhi when he came to Bezawada in 1921.
“The new building would house prehistoric tools, manuscripts, stone cut writings, armours and shields used by kings in addition to idols belonging to the second and third century. Soon the museum will start to attract visitors with its latest collections and 3-D technology projections,” said G Vani Mohan, Commissioner of Archeological department of AP, in a press conference.
The department is also focussing on restoration works of forts like Gandikota and Kondapalli, and Moghalrajpuram caves, Mohan said. The villages which are going to be submerged in water because of Polavaram project have many archeological artifacts which belong to the 8000 BC- 10000 BC period, she added. “We have sent the artifacts to Delhi and Pune to find out their details.
The immediate challenge we face is to develop the museums in the State, and create awareness among people so that the number of museum visitors increases. We are also focussed on developing Kondapalli and Gandikota fort. With the latest projective mappings, we would host some entertaining shows at these places. Even ancient caves like Akkana Madanna caves and Moghalrajpuram caves will be protected,” she said.