Historic Hira Bhagol Fortwall in Dabhoi collapsed

Vadodara, Oct 15 (UNI) The historic Hira Bhagol Fortwall in Dabhoi town, about 35 km from here, has callapsed.

The 700-year-old dilapidated structure built by the then Solanki king Vishaldev razed to the ground around midnight yesterday a day after cracks developed on the interior face of the wall.

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) Superintendent Archaeologist (Vadodara Circle) Dr Shivananda Rao, who visited the site today, said,''The fortwall has suffered extensive damage following collapse of the wall measuring 15 metres in length from the ''Hira Bhagol'' gate upto ''Mata Bhawani'' temple in the fort complex.'' Besides the roof of the 15 metre long passage, both front and back 20 ft high sidewalls built with typical sand stone, had collapsed. But the temple was quite intact and no one was injured in the incident, he said.

Dr Rao said ASI which was looking after the 700-year-old monument, had taken up immediate measures to remove the debris.

While admitting that the monument had suffered a major damage, he assured that all steps would be taken to recontruct the structure in its original shape. Senior archaeologists were now assessing the damage and entry of the general public to the fort had been closed.

Asked about the reason for its sudden collapse, the superintending archaelogist said the earthquake in April this year and the recent heavy rains in the area must have had caused damage to the structure. Unfortunately, before the ASI could take up proper conservation work, the structure callapsed, Dr Rao said.

Expressing serious concern over the incident, Prof V H Sonawane of the department of the Archaeology in the M S University here said, ''The ASI can not be so careless about the heritage structure.'' UNI SS PM SK KP1829