Cracks have developed inside the Chittorgarh fort due to the blasting of rocks for limestone mining in the vicinity
It has stood the test of time for over 1,000 years, but the historic Chittorgarh fort in Rajasthan is now under attack. Illegal mining of limestone in the vicinity has resulted in cracks in Kumbha Mahal and the Vijay Stambha (victory tower) located inside the fort.
The Vijay Stambha, the fort's most imposing structure and also the worst affected due to mining activity, was built in 1442 AD by Rajput ruler Rana Kumbh to commemorate his victories in war.
"This area of Chittorgarh is a limestone belt but the blasting that is done in the rocks to extract limestone is destroying the fort. If today this fort is destroyed, it can never be recreated," said Jai Prakash Deora, a resident who has been actively campaigning against the mining in the area.
With the issue resonating strongly in the Rajasthan assembly, Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje was forced to intervene, promising a comprehensive restoration plan for the fort which features on UNESCO's world heritage list. She also attacked the previous Ashok Gehlot-led Congress government for allowing mining in the area despite a High Court ban.
In 2012, the Rajasthan High Court had ordered that all blasting activities for mining purposes within 10 kilometres of the Chittorgarh fort should be stopped.
"The Chief Minister has said that she is committed to preserving the fort and given its historical and archaeological significance, the government will actively work towards its restoration. The previous government gave mining leases in and around the fort. Those will be reviewed," said minister Rajendra Rathore.