The State government has announced that henceforth, Tipu Sultan’s birth anniversary will be celebrated from this year. However, regular visitors to Manjarabad, a fort built by Tipu Sultan, have expressed their ire over the State government not providing basic amenities at the site of this monumental structure on the National Highway 75, which had been attracting a large number of tourists.
The fort was built by Tipu Sultan, the then ruler of Mysore, in the 18th century. A majority of tourists passing through Bengaluru-Mangaluru highway were not aware of the fact that there is a fort near Sakleshpur. However, some of those aware of this fort often stop their vehicles and climb the tip of the fort to have enjoy the spectacular view of the Western Ghats. In the last three-four years, the Tourism Department was claiming to have drawn up plans to provide basic amenities around the fort at a cost of Rs. 2.74 crore to attract tourists. The proposal was prepared way back in 2012, but there was no progress on the ground.
As per the plan, the project would include establishment of a canteen, an information centre, shelters, huts, ticket counter, rest rooms, cottages and make drinking water available for visitors. Besides, there were plans to set up a sewage treatment plant, lighting and a garden named after Tipu Sultan. The department had sought five acres of land for this purpose. The Union government had agreed to contribute a portion of the project’s cost.
M.R. Prakash, Assistant Director of Tourism Department, told The Hindu on Saturday, “We had asked for a five-acre plot. So far, we have got two acres of land. We have been consulting the Revenue Department for providing adequate land for the project. Besides, we have received around Rs. 47 lakh towards the cost of the project. The remaining amount will also be released as and when the funds already released is spent,” he said.
Apart from tourists, many people living in Sakleshpur also visit the fort at regular intervals. They had complained to the authorities concerned about lack of basic facilities. Malnad Mehaboob, member of Tipu Abhimanigala Vedike, said, “The fort is famous for sun-set and sun-rise views from the top. But, we are missing the opportunity as the fort is kept open only between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. A guide posted at the fort does not know who had built the fort,” he said.
Tipu fans have organised a programme to mark the birth anniversary of Tipu Sultan on the fort premises on November 10. “At least 300-400 people visit the place every day. But, there is no toilet, drinking water facility. There are no proper signboards. The government should take measures to provide basic amenities there,” he said.
