THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Department of Archeology has come up with a plan to preserve the fort, a heritage monument in the capital city, which is decaying due to encroachment and age. The first phase of the project, which is being implemented in various phases, has started.

The 383-meter stretch from Attakulangara to Simhakota is being rehabilitated in the first phase for Rs 75 lakh.

In the second phase, the protection of the Vettimuricha Kotta will be done for 25 lakh rupees. Once the tender process is completed, the construction will start soon. In the third phase, the steps to restore Punnapuramkota to its former state will begin.

Along with this, the East Fort door and the West Fort door will also be protected. The Archeology Department's own funds are being used for the project. Actions can be carried out quickly as there is no need to depend on the state or central government for funds.

250 encroachments; District administration without action

The archaeological department found that there are 250 encroachments around the fort. The Archeology Department submitted a report to the Collector for the years 2018, 2019 and 2020 along with the list of encroachments. But no action has been taken to evict them. Private individuals and private establishments are all on the list of encroachments. There are indications that the district administration is reluctant because the eviction will lead to law and order problems as it includes homes. As the department has no executive powers, it cannot evict settlers on its own. If a new encroachment is noticed, they can only file a complaint with the police and the revenue department.

Three-meter control zone

In 2021, the Department of Archeology had brought a restricted area for the protection of the fort. This means that no new construction should be done at a distance of three meters from either side of the fort wall. The Department of Archeology submitted a proposal to the government demanding a five-meter control zone, but only three meters were allowed. The department itself admits that new encroachments have been reduced to some extent due to the introduction of the restricted zone, but still occur on a small scale.

The length of the fort is still unknown

The archaeology department still does not know the exact length of the fort. The Department of Archeology says that the revenue department, which should measure the length, has not yet given the number. At present the length of the fort is said to be 6.25 km.