Poor maintenance of Bhimgarh Fort upsets visitors

Bhimgarh Fort of Reasi. -Excelsior/Romesh Mengi
Bhimgarh Fort of Reasi. -Excelsior/Romesh Mengi

Excelsior Correspondent
REASI, June 4: Bhimgarh Fort is a historical fort built by General Zorawar Singh—the famous Dogra General who repelled Chinese from Ladakh.
The Fort is built on the bank of River Anji at a hillock in Reasi. With its commanding entrance decorated with Rajasthani carvings from Baluka stone, Bhimgarh Fort is a stunning blend of architectural splendour and historical significance.
There is a statue of Lord Hanuman and Goddess Mahakali at its entrance and the Fort also houses a temple, pond, and many rooms.
The landmark structure that bears testimony to the glorious rule of Dogras for more than 200 years is now in dilapidated condition. The Fort currently presents a picture of dilapidation and ruins and is currently under the control of Archeological Survey of India (ASI).
“This fort is a beautiful monument that we should be proud of,” Advocate Harish Sharma—a local and frequent visitor at the Fort said adding: “I am shocked over the lack of upkeep and maintenance of the Fort by ASI and the Government.”
He also said that everything needs renovation and repair but to retain its glory of the Fort, it should also be properly maintained.
Harish informed that the Fort was repaired few years back after its dome got damaged due to earthquake but it also needs proper maintenance as trees are coming out of the walls of the Fort which will eventually loosen the bricks and let them fall off.
He also said that there is a pond in the Fort which is in worst condition and the ASI and Government have not taken any step to clean, renovate and beautify it.
“At some places bricks are falling off from the walls of the Fort. The Fort garden and the track alongside is now converted into a forest and the Fort has become home for monkeys,” he maintained.