As the ASI and local administration turns a blind eye, cases of illegal constructions are being reported almost every day at the fort.
The residents are encroaching upon the heritage property, tampering with the original structure like adding steel railings and adding cemented structures and a very crucial seepage problem, which is not only weakening the very foundation of the fort but also defacing it.
Due to leakage of water and heavy loopholes in the sewer lines, the stones in the basement of many houses are damaged and the walls are swelling. Many parts of the walls are turning hollow and stones are turning into sand.
If this continues, then there is a possibility of disaster, which will cause heavy damage to lives and properties. The fort is losing its original form because of illegal constructions, encroachments and tampering. The fort earlier had 99 minarets but now only 75 are left, with no explanation with anybody about what happened to the others. New cemented building structures have replaced the minarets.
The deteriorating condition of the fort and its heritage homes is forcing the residents to carry out repairs, without waiting for the official goahead from the ASI. Increasing number of residents are carrying out renovations and repairs, to which the administration and ASI have turned a blind eye too. No action has been taken against those carrying out such repairs, despite the fact they are obvious and can be noticed as one takes a walk. The new structures have further increased the load to the foundation, which is cracking.
The district administration, to stop new illegal constructions, had erected a checkpost with the help of police at the first gate of the fort — Akhe Prole — to stop entry of construction materials, but people protested and agitated. Residents threatened to boycott the Desert Festival, following which the administration relented and the setting up of the checkpost was cancelled.
Till date it is not decided which agency will govern the area inside the fort. Every year for the conservation of Sonar Fort, meetings are organised at the level of chief secretary, ASI and others but concrete decisions are not taken and those taken are either not implemented or implemented at a snail pace.
This not only affected conservation but also tourism opportunities. A proposal to introduce a guided heritage walk for tourists at the fort but could never materialise due to encroachments in the pathway.
Sonar Fort residents are encroaching upon the heritage property, tampering with the original structures like adding steel railings and cemented structures and a crucial seepage problem, which is not only weakening foundation of the fort, but also defacing it
