After much dilly-dallying, the Department of Archaeology and Museums has finally begun chemical conservation treatment to the historic Kondapalli Fort to lend an aesthetic look to it.
The ‘gajasala’, ‘narthakasala’, arches, meeting hall and the front portion of the fort will be covered under the first phase of works which are expected to be completed in a fortnight. A 25-member team led by the Archaeology Department Assistant Chemist K. Rambabu are taking up the works at a cost of over Rs.7.5 lakh.
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“We are using natural ingredients to prevent damage to the stone-structured citadel. We are carrying out the chemical treatment works, lacing chemicals with water to give a new look to the citadel. Scaffoldings were put up to cover every nook and corner of the fort,” he said. The fort was built by Prolaya Vema Reddy in the 14th century.
Shrubs that were developed on the fort walls were removed using iron and brass brushes before commencing the chemical treatment works. “We want to give an aesthetic look to the fort to draw the attention of tourists,” he said. The dilapidated structure, which is included in the mega tourism circuit proposed to be developed in this region, is 16 km from Vijayawada.
A few days back, Irrigation Minister Devineni Umamaheswara Rao assured to make it as a major tourist spot during ‘Vanamahostavam’ celebrations held on the fort premises. “More revenue could be generated if basic amenities are provided at the structure. Pending works would be completed through funds sanctioned under Provision of Urban Amenities in Rural Areas,” he said.
Senior officials from Tourism Department added that efforts were on to introduce package tours covering the prominent places, including Kondapalli fort in Vijayawada and surroundings.
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