Nalkunaadu palace cries for attention

The historically famous Nalkunaadu palace is in a deplorable condition. Located 15-km away from Napoklu, the palace is crying for attention. The structure badly requires a facelift, while the room, where the king used to once stay, is now on the verge of collapse.

Around eight years ago, it can be recalled that the entire palace was renovated at a cost of Rs 50 lakh. Sub-standard quality of work have left the palace high and dry. The renovation project did not serve its purpose, and today, it is back to square one.

The palace was built by Dodda Veera Rajendra at Yavakapaadi village near Kakkabbe in 1792. It has a red-tiled roof and depicts simple architectural designs of the Haleri kingship. The palace attracts researchers from various parts of the country, apart from a large number of tourists who throng the place.

Renovation not visible

The renovation work undertaken by the department of Archaeology, Heritage and Museums, included revival of the paintings, installation of red tiles on the roof, installation of solar lamps, renovation of the structure, etc. Hardly a few years later, the palace again wears a wretched look. The wall of a room on the first floor has developed a crack and may collapse any moment. Even this was reconstructed eight years ago, but has failed to sustain for long.

Paintings of procession and other subjects have blurred out. The cement flooring of the palace rooms are no longer visible and tourists trudge along the mud-flooring. The weather-beaten compound around the palace is completely destroyed and the palace can be easily accessed by all.

Toilets on the palace premises do not have water facility and the three-km stretch connecting the palace is also in a deplorable condition. According to sources, paucity of funds from the department has hindered the maintenance of the palace.

“We have submitted several memorandums to repair the roads towards the palace, but there has been no positive response from the administration. Good roads, infrastructure and basic facilties are a must to attract tourists. In the absence of all these, it is difficult to generate revenue,” said Prasad, a local resident.