Faulty sewerage weakening base of Jaisalmer's 'Shonar Qilla'

Jaisalmer, Apr 1 (UNI) Jaisalmer's world famous 'Shonar Qilla' (Golden fort) is in a precarious situation today as its foundation is gradually getting weakened due to faulty sewerage system.

C Babu Rajiv, director general of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), who is on visit here, said today: '' As the sewerage system is improper, water is not able to flow out properly which dampens the foundation of the fort, weakening its base.'' Moreover, with numerous restaurants and hotels springing up in houses located inside the fort, the original facade of the fort has changed drastically which can also prove detrimental to the fort.

He also informed that ASI has a Rs six crore conservation plan for the fort. A geological survey of the entire fort would be conducted under the plan by digging 30 holes at different places in the fort. The earth samples collected would be sent to a laboratory in Ahmedabad for analysis.

Documentation work of the fort would be carried out by a Mumbai-based agency. He added that further conservation steps would be decided only after a study and analysis of all the data collected from various agencies.

He also informed that ASI has started restoration and conservation of more than 2,000 rare sculptures and engravings in Ajanta and Ellora caves as they are being ruined due to continuous shifting of rocks.

Initial investigations reveal that the caves are in jeopardy due to water leakage. Apart from a full geological survey of the area, girders and columns have also been put up at Ellora caves which might arrest further damage to the caves.

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