THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Lord Padmanabha is the richest deity in the country, his temple the most talked about these days. But the forts (‘kota vathilukal’) that guard the entrances to the temple neighbourhood from four points have long lost their glory. Now, with the temple and its historical existence attracting global attention, the forts might finally get a redemption.The Archaeology Department has decided to take up the renovation of the forts and has directed the City Corporation to first undertake a cleaning exercise on the premises. Though the Department is yet to have a Director to head its activities, the present in-charge of the Department J Rejikumar says that the restoration of the forts has been given due importance and the primary steps have been initiated."At the foot of the forts’ pillars, there are overgrown plants, garbage dumped and bricks that have come out of the structures. We have asked the Corporation to take up a cleaning of the forts and the premises first. We have drawn up a restoration plan, which will be implemented without delay,’’ Rejikumar says.However, the local people here are fed up with promises and demand concrete action. East Fort Poura Samithi, which has been leading protests against the neglect shown to the archeological structures, is not convinced."Many a time, officials have visited the forts, made plans and everything has remained on paper. The Fort area has suddenly gained international attention and if one of the forts like the ‘Vettimuricha kotta’ comes down one fine day, it will be a national shame,’’ says T K S Raj, Poura Samithi representative.Among the forts - East Fort (directly opposite to the main entrance of Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple), Ganapathy Fort (‘Vadakke kotta’), Vettimuricha kotta, West Fort and Thekke kotta (which is a miniature fort) - it is the Vettimuricha kotta that needs immediate attention. The huge carrier lorries (bringing cars from other states) that make a turn from the sides of this fort have caused much damage to the structure. Every time a big lorry makes a turn, it brings down a few bricks on the sides.Earlier, the Archeological Department used to conduct night patrolling in the area. It used to carry out regular maintenance of the structures too. However, for the last two years, the forts have been served only neglect and according to local people, it would not be long before they crumble down to earth. Except the East Fort (Kizhakke kotta), the other forts are in urgent need of a restoration, they say.The newfound glory of the Lord might finally spare a little fortune for the dying forts too; let’s hope.
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