Karnataka: Chitradurga Fort besieged by plastic waste

CHITRADURGA: The Chitradurga Fort, an Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) monument, whose fortification of seven concentric circles once kept marauding enemy legions away, is bearing the brunt of plastic waste. Used water bottles, tetra packs, carry bags and other kinds of plastic materials are all over the granitoid hillock fortified during the 17th and 18th century, thanks to irresponsible tourists and poor maintenance.
During a recent visit, TOI found that some of the iconic spots at the fort were littered.A mud structure amid which stands a temple-like building made of stone — which used to be a mint (a place where new coins are made) and had a eight-foot-deep storage area — is partially submerged and full of plastic bottles, emanating foul smell.

Sushma Sathish, who visited the fort recently, said plastic waste was found near Onake Obavvana Kindi, another landmark spot where a woman wielding a pestle single-handedly kept Hyder Ali’s soldiers at bay. “I could hardly see dustbins at strategic locations at the fort,” she added.
D Gopalaswamy Nayaka, president, Madakari Nayaka Samskrutika Kendra, whose team regularly conducts awareness programmes on the history and culture of Chitradurga Fort said the ASI, which is the custodian of the fort, has to be proactive when it comes to keeping it clean.
“Many foreigners visit the fort round the year. What impression will they have about the heritage structure? The authorities collect Rs 25 per person visiting the fort. The same should be utilised to deploy more people to maintain cleanliness and install more dustbins there,” he said.
Members of the Kendra said they conduct cleanliness drives quite often, but that isn’t enough given the huge footfall the place sees, especially during weekends.
Repeated attempts to get a response from ASI Bangalore Circle about the plastic menace at the fort went in vain.