Shiva mahesh
Member
- Joined
- 3 Dec 2015
- Messages
- 639
- Reaction score
- 1,064
VIJAYAWADA: Kondapalli Fort, the historic monument in Krishna district, is finally getting a facelift. Built in 1360 AD by the Reddy Kings of Kondaveedu, the once prosperous hub which later became a military garrison over centuries, may once again regain its glory, albeit in a different form - as a major tourist attraction
The State Archeological Department has undertaken restoration and conservation works at the fort with a sum of `10 crore sanctioned by the Central government
Though the amount is far less than the `32 crore sought by the department, officials say something is better than nothing
The works are going on at a moderate pace with around 70 workers on the spot to restore the fort walls brick by brick.
The walls and pillars are still in a dilapidated condition and debris could be seen at several places. On any given day, about 30-40 tourists visit the fort, which is located in an isolated hilly terrain near Ibrahimpatnam. What is striking is the complete absence of basic amenities like drinking water supply and three-phase power supply. There are no stalls either in the nearby areas to sell water bottles or any type of food items.
The security at the fort too is nominal, with only four security staff employed
Interestingly, even they feel insecure as of late, drunkards have made the fort their adda in the evening hours. When Express visited the fort, the security staff admitted that the drunken youth had been harassing them! No wonder that tourists too are afraid of visiting the fort, a heritage structure that stands testimony to the State's rich history
In fact, the security staff do not stay at the fort at nights since there are no proper transport facilities for them
"None dares work here as a security guard during nights. One person was murdered here long back. Lack of security monitoring has made anti-social elements bold and active in these parts," V Naresh, security staff at the fort, told Express
Despite these drawbacks, the fort attracts about 1,000 tourists during the Karthika Masam. Besides, the Sayyed Ghalib Shahid Baba Dargah at the entrance of the fort, also an old structure constructed 400 years ago, attracts hundreds of Muslims for the Friday prayers
An ancient staircase from Mariamma temple in Kondapalli village to the entrance of the fort is no longer useful - which means one has to take the steps which are in a bad shape.
The walkway is covered with thick green cover, boulders, garbage and debris
"Earlier, it was worse. Many proposals are pending with the government. These proposals include water supply, three-phase power supply, pathways, ropeways, gateway arch on the main road, cafeteria, stalls and toilets," said S Koteswaran, Deputy Executive Engineer of the department
Kondapalli Fort gets facelift to attract more tourists
The State Archeological Department has undertaken restoration and conservation works at the fort with a sum of `10 crore sanctioned by the Central government
Though the amount is far less than the `32 crore sought by the department, officials say something is better than nothing
The works are going on at a moderate pace with around 70 workers on the spot to restore the fort walls brick by brick.
The walls and pillars are still in a dilapidated condition and debris could be seen at several places. On any given day, about 30-40 tourists visit the fort, which is located in an isolated hilly terrain near Ibrahimpatnam. What is striking is the complete absence of basic amenities like drinking water supply and three-phase power supply. There are no stalls either in the nearby areas to sell water bottles or any type of food items.
The security at the fort too is nominal, with only four security staff employed
Interestingly, even they feel insecure as of late, drunkards have made the fort their adda in the evening hours. When Express visited the fort, the security staff admitted that the drunken youth had been harassing them! No wonder that tourists too are afraid of visiting the fort, a heritage structure that stands testimony to the State's rich history
In fact, the security staff do not stay at the fort at nights since there are no proper transport facilities for them
"None dares work here as a security guard during nights. One person was murdered here long back. Lack of security monitoring has made anti-social elements bold and active in these parts," V Naresh, security staff at the fort, told Express
Despite these drawbacks, the fort attracts about 1,000 tourists during the Karthika Masam. Besides, the Sayyed Ghalib Shahid Baba Dargah at the entrance of the fort, also an old structure constructed 400 years ago, attracts hundreds of Muslims for the Friday prayers
An ancient staircase from Mariamma temple in Kondapalli village to the entrance of the fort is no longer useful - which means one has to take the steps which are in a bad shape.
The walkway is covered with thick green cover, boulders, garbage and debris
"Earlier, it was worse. Many proposals are pending with the government. These proposals include water supply, three-phase power supply, pathways, ropeways, gateway arch on the main road, cafeteria, stalls and toilets," said S Koteswaran, Deputy Executive Engineer of the department
Kondapalli Fort gets facelift to attract more tourists
