Karnataka - Bijapur   

Gol Gumbaz getting a facelift

Staff Correspondent

AMENITIES: Drinking water taps set up at the Gol Gumbaz in Bijapur.

BIJAPUR: In an attempt to include Gol Gumbaz, which is known for its echoing dome and whispering gallery, in the list of world heritage sites, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has taken steps to give it a facelift.

According to the specifications laid by United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), it is not enough if a monument is ancient and has rich heritage value to get heritage site tag. It should have clean surroundings including pollution-free climatic condition.

Gol Gumbaz is located in a sprawling area of over 70 acres with considerable green patch. Hence, it is really a Herculean task to maintain cleanness and greenery with limited staff and resources.

There were occasions when the surroundings were a haven for unscrupulous elements. However, all such activities have been stopped thanks to tightened vigil, and heightened compound wall. The collapsed fort wall on the eastern side has been restored to prevent pigs and other animals from entering into the compound.

Fallen arches of animal yards on both sides of the main entrance, which were used for housing elephants and horses of royal army, are being repaired. Care has been taken not to use modern building materials such as cement in the restoration work as it was important to preserve originality and antique value of the structures, ASI sources told The Hindu .

Amid resistance from citizens, evening walk by people has been stopped for some time now though people are allowed on their morning walk between 6 a.m. and 7.30 a.m. They are asked not to walk on lawns. Only those having prepaid passes issued by the department are allowed to gain entry for walk.

The ASI has also taken some tourist friendly measures including drinking water supply. A row of water taps near main monument building is operational and two more points will be ready within a month.

The ASI plans to ban tourists having food on the lawns near the monument. A separate dining place is being developed on the right corner of the compound with drinking water facility. As many as 26 platforms are constructed under trees in the area, and the process of growing lawns is also under way. Once this lunch spot is ready, using other area for the purpose would be disallowed, sources added.

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