JOIN USSoon, visitors at the Tughlaqabad Fort will be able to have a better view of the fort complex with the ASI working on its conservation.
The Archaeological Survey of India started the restoration work on the fort almost three months back.
Tughlaqabad Fort, though considered a part of architectural marvel, was in a state of ruins. Though the restoration of the fort has been in the pipeline since 2006-2007, the conservation work could not be carried out because of delay in the release of funds.
Built over a span of four years from 1321-1325 AD by ruler Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq, the fort is defined by the bastions forming the enclosure of Tughlaqabad.
The fort is built on the lines of Indo-Islamic style of architecture which is typical of the Delhi Sultanate period.
The ASI is restoring the missing portions of the bastion on the lines of the original design so that the fort regains its lost glory. The surrounding area of the bastion is also being developed.
“The restoration work started over three months back. We are restoring the bastion of the fort and also developing its surrounding areas. We started on the conservation project after the funds were approved by the National Culture Fund,” said Vasant Kumar Swarankar, Superintending Archaeologist, ASI.
While an amount of Rs 30 lakh has been released by GAIL under its corporate social responsibility scheme, the ASI is funding the remaining amount.
The ASI aims to make Tughlaqabad Fort a major tourist destination through this major facelift.
The site has few visitors because of its off-location. This is why making the spot tourist-friendly is also on the ASI’s agenda.
“To make it a more popular destination among tourists, we are improving on the amenities available at the site. Stone benches will be set up at the site so that it is comfortable for tourists at the site. Also, free drinking water will be a permanent feature of the site to help make the fort,” added Swarankar.