Civic body plan to restore Bhadra Fort,Azamkhan Sarai may hit ASI hurdle

The AMC standing committee passed the proposal moved by the municipal commissioner in its June 4 meeting. To implement the project,the AMC will have to work in association with the ASI. It aims to restore the historic fort,tower and the adjoining Azamkhan Sarai where several courts are functioning besides a government book depot.

The restoration work is proposed to be completed in two years after getting vacant possession of the premises,which means shifting of all the courts and other offices. This in itself is a gigantic task that might take several months.

According to Utpal Sharma of the CEPT University,who is coordinating with the AMC,the JNNURM directorate has already pledged financial support to heritage restoration works in Karnataka and elsewhere,and there should not be any difficulty in getting clearance. He said the project proposes to make the place the nerve centre of the city as well as an important destination for tourists.

CEPT has been assigned the task of carrying out field survey and do an assessment before preparing the feasibility report,based on which it will make a detailed project report,cost estimates,structural drawings and implementation charts.

CEPT’s initial proposal includes restoration work besides suggesting structural repairs costing nearly Rs 6.55 crore. The process,however,may not be as smooth as it appears because the ASI has made it clear that it would not let any outside agency touch the archaeological area of the complex.

Gujarat ASI’s superintending archaeologist Shivanand Rao said his department is aware of the move and its officials had attended a meeting with AMC officials. “They may go ahead with their plans,but no agency will be allowed to touch the archaeological area. They have forwarded a formal proposal,which will be sent to the head office for the final nod,” Rao said.

AMC Opposition leader Surendra Baxi,meanwhile,said the project should bear acknowledgement from the corporation that it was financed under the JNNURM.

“The civic body has not put up acknowledgement boards at the ongoing project sites… I am going to draw the attention of the Centre towards this,” he said.