Archaeological Survey of India restoration plan at Fort St. George in Chennai
Archaeological Survey of India has begun the restoration plan at Fort St. George in Chennai. As a part of the restoration plan, the 2.3 km moat
surrounding the historic Fort will be renovated. The moat dating back to 1760s
and built in the wake of a French attack became a wastewater chamber over the
years, leaving only a 500-metre bit near the flag-hoisting area dry.
- Sludge in the moat will be removed without damaging the heritage structure. The idea is to restore the British-era water lines that prevented flooding here.
Background:
A big section of the moat, around 30 ft. deep and 50 ft. wide, is
used to hold the waste flowing from the Fort Complex. This follows sea
incursion into the Cooum river and North Buckinghman Canal. However, allowing sea water in, according to the ASI, will endanger
the Complex.
About the fort:
Fort St George is the name of the first English fortress in India, founded in 1644 at the
coastal city of Madras, the modern city of Chennai.
- The construction of the fort provided the impetus for further settlements and trading activity, in what was originally an uninhabited land.
- The fort currently houses the Tamil Nadu legislative assembly and other official buildings. The fort is one of the 163 notified areas (megalithic sites) in the state of Tamil Nadu.
