PENUKONDA: Long after the historical monuments of this summer resort of Vijayanagara rulers were ruined by `treasure-hunters' and land encroachers -- including the State Government -- a High Court directive has driven the Archaeological Department and Archaeological Survey of India to take stock of the situation.

There are a number of historical monuments, all belonging to Vijayanagara period, under the purview of ASI, Archaeological, Endowments, Wakf Departments and a Jain's body. But, all of them are either completely ruined or in a dilapidated condition due to lack of protective measures.

Even the State Government has contributed to the present position by allotting housesites to the poor in the fort area. People of Penukonda have constructed bathrooms and latrines on the fringes of the fort wall.The Penukonda Paryataka Porata Committee (PPPC) has been demanding the State and Central Governments to take measures to protect the remnants of the historical monuments.

Poser to Government

However, responding to a petition filed by one Shashi Sekhar, the High Court has asked the Government why it has been a mute spectator even to the construction of a palatial building including a helipad in the fort's vicinity.

The court has directed the Government to file its reply by April 10.

As per the directions of the High Court the Archaeological Department and the ASI have taken up survey of all notified historical monuments from March 25.The State and Central officials are listing the structures and other encroachments within a radius of 100 meters of each monument to present a status report to the court.

Treasure hunt

Convenor of PPPC J. Pratapa Reddy said that Government apathy had resulted in excavation in and around the monuments for the "hidden treasure" believed to have been brought here from Hampi during the Thallikota war. In all, 12 temples and other monuments were ruined for treasure, he said.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail