In a significant move to reclaim and protect a historical site, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Trichy circle, has taken decisive action at the Main Guard Gate, also known as Fort Gateway. This comes just a day after the local municipal corporation cleared the area of street vendors who had set up shop around the protected monument.
Immediate Action After Years of Encroachment
The ASI has now temporarily fenced off the space surrounding the monument. This step marks the culmination of a prolonged struggle that lasted about three years. An ASI official revealed that despite a court order mandating the removal of encroachments to recover their land, a viable solution could only be implemented now.
The official stated, "We have planned to develop a garden and beautify the zone. Though there was a court order directing the encroachments to be removed to recover our space, a solution could be fetched only now, after about three years." This highlights the administrative and legal challenges involved in freeing the historic site from unauthorized occupation.
Beautification and Public Outreach Plans
The fencing is not merely a restrictive measure but the first step in a positive transformation. The ASI Trichy circle has concrete plans to beautify the recovered area and use it for public education. The primary vision is to create a garden and an informational space that will disseminate archaeological knowledge about the Main Guard Gate to visitors and citizens.
In a supporting move, the Trichy Corporation has also placed banners at the site, firmly insisting that vendors should not exploit the space for commercial activities. This coordinated effort between the ASI and the local civic body underscores a shared commitment to preserving the city's heritage.
Pedestrian Access and Future Concerns
A specific area of action was the space close to the wall of the Main Guard Gate, which is commonly used by pedestrians as a pathway to reach Teppakulam. This too has been secured with fencing. While officials have acknowledged the need for pedestrian movement and stated they will consider a plan to facilitate it, they also expressed clear apprehensions.
The major concern is that the area might be encroached upon again by mobile vendors if not strictly monitored and managed. This fear is rooted in the past three years of difficulty in maintaining the site's integrity. The challenge ahead is to balance public access with permanent protection, ensuring the monument's surroundings are both welcoming and free from illegal occupation.
The initiative at the Main Guard Gate represents a critical effort to restore the dignity of a protected monument and transform it into a source of historical pride and learning for the public in Trichy.
