Climate ‘induced’ Deterioration Aspects of Manjarabad Fort with Remedial ‘site-specific’ Restoration Measures.

Abstract

Structural Restoration of Historical Monuments is one of the key facets of Urbanization from Tourism point of view. The present study proposes a site-specific restoration methodology for “Manjarabad Fort”, a historical monument constructed during the regime of Tippu Sultan. Regrettably it is conserved very badly; in spite of A.S.I. identifying it as one of the Heritage structures. The approach followed in this case-study envisages photographic, technical, physical and historical survey. The vegetation on all the walls and grounds of the fort paraded signs of degradation necessitating immediate upkeep. The fact that the fort has its own unique architecture ethically mandates that the conservation should be prioritized without altering it. The techniques of restoration encompass clearance of vegetation about the walls, checking the physical supports for leakages and dampness; as the fort is located in a region popular for thick rainfall during monsoon. The restoration also necessitates removal of ground undulations to avoid stagnant water which may increase the dampness in walls and foundation. Also the study found that the high velocity wind of the region has triggered removal and weathering of top most layer stones of the fort walls. This ought to be rectified with substitution of the stone blocks found in fort grounds. While the wholly dented architectural part needs to be rebuilt using white cement and clay; the partially decayed and completely displaced components of the structure ought to be identified and accordingly conserved. As the structural safety is of utmost important the fort inner walls, slab and beams were also inspected