Madikeri Fort conservation work begins

The Archaeological Department has initiated conservation work on the Madikeri Fort.

The Kodagu district administration and the Archaeological Department had prepared a proposal to conserve the old fort on the model of Mysuru Palace five years ago.

To protect its property, the department has taken up the work on fencing around the fort land.

It was former DC Anurag Tewari who had initiated the first step towards conservation of the historical fort after holding discussions with officials from the Archaeological Department in 2014. After his transfer, the project was lying pending.

Objection to toilet work

The public has objected to the construction of full-fledged toilet facilities in the fort premises.

The foundation has been laid for the toilets. The retaining wall is made of mud. In addition, no construction work can be taken up within a 100-metre radius of the fort. So the work on the toilet will amount to a violation of the rules, said the public.

In the past, it was decided that a garden and lighting system will be laid outside the fort. Accordingly, the work will be taken up without harming the historical structure.

Ayyappa, a local resident said, “All the weeds should be cleared from the fort premises.”

History

Haleri dynasty ruler Mudduraja had built the fort 330 years ago. There is a museum, Mahatma Gandhi Central library along with gallows in the fort premises.

In fact, the district complex was also inside the fort premises. Now, it has been shifted to a new building. The office of zilla panchayat, MLC and MLA’s office, and court are still functioning from the fort premises.