Sambalpur, Sept. 4: The renovation of two historical watchtowers, one located at Machine ghat and the other near Samaleswari temple, has begun.
The state archaeology department will work on the 16th century structures. The department has sanctioned funds for the renovation of the watchtowers.
"An amount of Rs 7.5 lakh has been sanctioned for the repair and maintenance of the watchtowers. We have already started work on the watchtower located at Machine ghat," said state archaeology engineer Himansu Padhee.
"A major portion of the watchtower at Machine ghat is in a shambles. We are trying to repair the tower in such a way that the original architecture of the structure does not get affected," Padhee said.
Besides, the department will carry out a de-vegetation work on the watchtower near the Samaleswari temple. A staircase will also be built.
The watchtowers were on the wall of the fort that had been built during the Chouhan reign to protect Sambalpur from external attacks. A wall from Balibandha to Mandlia was constructed along the Mahanadi river. The length of the wall was 2,443 feet, and it was built during the regime of King Balaram Dev. However, the construction got over during the rule of King Balabhadra Dev, the grandson of Balaram, in 1594.
The fort wall is no more but the watchtowers have stood the test of time, despite being in a sorry state. Six watchtowers were on the wall that was 17 feet high and 72 feet wide with cannons fitted on them. While one of the towers has collapsed, the remaining five are lying in a dilapidated condition.
Residents have welcomed the move. "We have been demanding restoration of the historical monument for a long time. Finally, steps have been initiated for renovation of the watchtowers. This is a welcome move," said local resident Deepak Panda.
"If the watchtowers are preserved, future generations will get an opportunity to know about Sambalpur's glorious history. Steps should also be initiated to renovate the other historical structures in the city," said Ranjan Behera, another local resident.
