Encroachments tell on Fort Wall conservation

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The area may be quarantined by heavy police cover and security personnel, but no one is keeping tabs on the encroachment happening even in close proximity to the Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple.

Several encroachments have come up near the temple and it has been found that none of the constructions have got TC numbers or power connections.

As a result of the rampant encroachments, the centuries-old Fort Wall is in ruins and the authorities are unable to undertake conservation activities because of non-removal of the illegal structures.

Interestingly, none of the authorities including the corporation, police or district administration are aware of who is living in these settlements. The state government issued the order to demolish the illegal structures hindering the conservation of the heritage wall around four months back. Subsequently, the archaeology authorities informed the district administration, collector, police and the corporation.

Archaeology director G. Premkumar said that the department was unable to undertake conservation activities because of the encroachments.

“The wall is in a derelict state and we are unable to undertake conservation activities. Without the removal of the structures, we cannot bring in the equipment needed for conservation,” said the official.

Sreekanteswaram councillor P Rajendran Nair admitted that the area was encroached upon. “People living there are genuine and they were given permission to reside there by the royal family. The government should provide an alternative for them.