Jaisalmer, June 22: The 855-year-old majestic fort of Jaisalmer in the Thar desert, which had resisted savage attacks from Sindh and Afghanistan in the medieval period, is now finding it difficult to defend itself from encroachments and illegal constructions that have come up inside the complex. Considered a `living fort', with a residential colony and market place housed inside, the old monument is gradually crumbling and all efforts to save it have been in vain.
Described as "Sonar Killa" (golden fort) by ace film maker late Satyajit Ray because of its yellow stones, the fort is desperately trying to save its original character, which is in danger of being lost due to scores of restaurants, emporiums and hotels constructed inside it.
The 99 towers and walls of the fort, constructed by Bhati rulers of Lodrva in 1212, are crumbling at several places in the absence of a proper sewage and drainage system.
The old sewage system is clogged with plastic bags and other garbage thrown by the residents and water is seeping into the fort's foundation. If the situation is not tackled the foundations of the structure would collapse, experts feel.
The flourishing tourism trade is also beyond the sustainable capacity of the fort, says president of Paryatan Vyavasaya Mahasangh Jitendra Singh.
"It is important that the pressure on the fort is reduced," he said.
The district administration, on its part, does not have adequate powers to deal sternly with those ruining the old monument, official sources said. Bureau Report