VIJAYAWADA: 

The historic Kondapalli fort, 20 km from Vijayawada city, is getting a facelift so that more tourists are attracted towards it. The archaeology department took up the renovation of the 14th century fort, built by king Prolaya Vema Reddy. However, due to denial of permission from the forest department, the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation officials are said have failed to provide basic amenities at the fort.

Archaeology officials have completed a major part of the renovation work, including administering chemical treatment to Ranimahal, Nartanasala and jail khana. Some walls that had collapsed have been rebuilt, while other walls and arches repaired and given a fresh coat of water to prevent rainwater seepage. Deputy executive engineer, archaeology department, S. Koteswaran said that granite has been laid along the pathways for the convenience of tourists and the damaged arches repaired. The Central government has sanctioned funds from the 13th Finance Commission for renovation of the fort. Officials plan to complete the renovation work within the budget of Rs 3 crore.

Meanwhile, the APTDC is working on attracting more tourists to Kondapalli fort by providing basic amenities and developing a craft bazaar to market the world famous Kondapalli toys and other handicrafts of the district.However, the APTDC has been unable to implement its plans as the forest department has denied permission for construction activity near the fort, citing protection of reserve forest, said APTDC divisional manager T. Baboji. “Kondapalli has immense tourism potential.

Being Kartika masam, thousands of people are visiting the fort on weekends to participate in Vanamahotsavam,” he said. Most of the visitors complain of lack of basic amenities at the site and appeal to the authorities to provide minimum facilities.

source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / Deccan Chronicle / Home> Nation> Current Affairs / by DC Correspondent / November 02nd, 2014