A part of the Vellore Fort, situated in the central part of the city, remains thoroughly neglected. In fact, it has become to be used as a public open toilet!
Wild tree saplings have grown rampantly on the walls of the fort covering the moat!
Vellore Fort is promininent among the ground level forts in the country. It is also the most important tourist attraction in the city. The fort was built in the 16th century.
The fort was built during the period of Vijayanagar Emipre period by the Naicker Leaders and Vellore king Kuch Bommu Naicker. Built with granite (black rocks), the walls of the fort are high & wide. The moat is an eternal spring and a source of water which never dries up. The fort can withstand natural disasters.
The fort changed hands from Naickers to Bijapur Sultans, and then Marathas and Karnataka Nawabs. Finally, it was taken over by the British. It was a British possession till 1947 when the country became independent.
“Sepoy Mutiny;, the most important and pioneer act for independence demand occurred here only. The family of Tipu Sulatn and the last Tamil King who ruled Sri Lanka, Sri Vikrama Rajasinghan, were kept in prison here.
.After independence, the maintenance of the fort has been under the National Archaeology Department. Tens of thousands of tourists visit the Fort every year.
Though the district administration is spending lakhs of Rupees to beautify the fort, poor maintenance has resulted the fort losing its original glow and charm.
2 electric lights were installed for the 3rd time along with statues of sepoys 2 years ago. Now, they stand in damaged condition.
Only the lawn area in front of the Fort is being maintained.
As the park located on the right side of the Fort is under the maintenance of private agency, there is not much damage over there.
However, the West & North side of the Fort are deteriorating due to the activities of anti-social elements.
Unwanted growth of trees & plants abound on the backside walls of the Fort surrounding the moat. The public has converted into an open toilet!
Though National Archeological Department is renovating & maintaining the Fort spending Lakhs of money on side, unchecked growth of wild trees are damaging the border areas on the other side.
Government should immediately undertake all necessary maintenance/renovation initiatives to preserve this Vellore Fort, a national treasure!
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