Monsoon increase risk factor of houses inside Shonar Qilla

Jaisalmer, Aug 4 (UNI) The condition of houses and godowns inside the 855-year-old world famous Shonar Qilla here is precarious and has become a risk factor for its residents, more so during this monsoon season.

Shonar Qilla (Golden Fort), one of the 100 world heritage sites, is the only living fort in the world with residents living in the houses located inside the fort.

More than 30 houses and godowns have been lying closed for years and are in ruins. With the monsoon season becoming active, water is seeping into the foundation of these houses, weakening them considerably.

The neighbours residing in the nearby houses fear that these dilapidated houses may fall any time.

Municipality chairman Gopi Kishan Mehra says the proprietors of these houses usually reside outside the state and are not able to upkeep or maintain their property here. Moreover there may be more than one owner of each house and as such the municipality notices sent do not have any effect.

Mr Mehra said apart from the notice, municipality also being down the houses which are in bad shape. Last year, three such houses were brought down.

The famous Shonar Qilla was built more than 800 years ago with more than 500 houses for the people to reside. With increase in population and business activities, the outflow of water has not been proper, thus eroding the condition of the houses further.

Eight years back, the wall of one part of the fort had fallen due to monsoon. Interestingly the fort has a signboard asking people to be careful.

Officials of Archaelogical Survey of India toured the fort today. Superintendent archaelogist S B Mishra said the first phase of renovation work on the qilla is over and second phase of the work will soon start .

UNI