BELLARY: The 150-year-old Alipore jail may get a makeover as the Department of Archaeology, Museums and Heritage has mooted a plan to declare it a state-protected monument.
The jail located in the Cantonment area was constructed in 1866 by the British, as barracks for soldiers.
Later, it was converted into a military jail to lodge First World War prisoners from Turkey, Denmark and France.
A few freedom fighters were also imprisoned in the jail during the Quit India Movement, including Chakravarti Rajagopalachari (Rajaji).
This historic jail, now in a totally neglected state, is surrounded by huge thorny bushes.
The move of the department, which sought details such as ownership of property, survey details, intended to declare the jail a protected monument has come as a ray of hope.
Commissioner of the Department Dr C G Betsurmath told Express that the department has mooted a plan to declare the jail a state-protected monument because of its heritage value.
The building also fulfills other criteria which are mandatory, he added.
“Revenue details of the jail is awaited from the tahsildar of Bellary. Based on it a notification will be issued to file objections, if any, from the public,” he said.
“If everything goes as per plan, in a span of six months the jail will get protected monument status,” said the commissioner.
After it gets the heritage tag, building construction in a 100 metre radius is prohibited and permission should be taken for repair of buildings which fall in a 200 metre radius, he added.
Necessary funds will be released for conservation of the building. The little known historic jail will be in the limelight and might also attract tourists.