The Archaeology and Museums Department has issued no-objection certificate (NOC) to officials for taking up developmental works at the Kondapalli Fort.
The NOC was issued after authorities dealing with works sanctioned under the Provision of Urban Amenities in Rural Areas (PURA) approached the Museums Department officials a few weeks ago requesting permission to take up works. “We gave permission with a condition that the shadow of the new structures should not fall on the fort,” a senior official said.
Construction of a ropeway from the fort to the foothills, water treatment plant, community hall for selling Kondapalli toys, besides drainage facility would come up.
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The major hurdle in commencing the works at the fort was sorted out after obtaining the NOC from Museums Department, the official explained said. “We have informed the same at the Collectorate. Once we get approval from the Collector, works will be started,” the official said.
Major Irrigation Minister Devineni Umamaheswara Rao, while participating in Vanamahotsvam celebrations organised at the fort four months ago, said pending works at the fort would be completed through funds sanctioned under the PURA.
He said the government would seek technical help on providing basic amenities to visitors. As part of its endeavour to develop the fort, the Museums Department has completed chemical conservation treatment to the citadel to lend an aesthetic look to it. The ‘gajasala’, ‘nartakasala’, arches, meeting hall and front portion of the fort were covered under the first phase of works that were completed two months ago.
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A 25-member team led by the Archaeology Department Assistant Chemist K. Rambabu executed the works taken up at cost of over Rs.7.5 lakh. “We will develop the fort as one of the best tourist spots in the district by providing amenities to visitors,” another official added.