New Delhi, May 31: The Archaeological Survey of India has removed 22,000 quintals of dirt from the terrace of Red Fort over the past five months. Due to this huge amount of dust, the ramparts from where Prime Minister addresses the nation were on the brink of collapse, says the Archaeological Survey of India. According to a report published in Hindustan Times, the dust and other air pollutants that had accumulated over an estimated period of over 100 years had formed a layer that was almost two meters thick. At the start of this year, the project to clean red Fort was undertaken.

Janhwij Sharma Joint Director General (Conservation, World Heritage) of ASI told Hindustan Times, “This exercise has been undertaken for the first time in about 100 years or so. The idea was to restore the terrace of the Lahori Gate by removing this huge dead load of 2.5 million kilos of the earth which we have almost concluded successfully.” Sharma further added that the massive load of earth material was a big threat to the main front part of the fort.

According to ASI, the dirt was weakening the structure over the period. The main front part of the historic monument could have collapsed anytime. The year-long restoration project also focuses on restoring an original look to the market inside the Red Fort’s entrance. Drinking water and toilet facilities will also be provided as part of the project.

“The ceilings of the market had more than seven layers of plasterwork due to which Mughal era paintings were not visible. The ASI team is slowly removing these layers so that the original paintings will come out,” reported Hindustan Times quoting Sharma as saying. The fort will be restored to its original look as it existed in the 19th century under this project. According to the report, the total cost of the project is between Rs 55 to 60 crore.

Dalmia Bharat Group has adopted red Fort under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Adopt A Heritage’ scheme in April last year. The 'Adopt a Heritage' scheme was launched by President Ram Nath Kovind on World Tourism Day in September last year. Under this scheme, government and private companies are invited to operate and maintain heritage sites.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 31, 2018 04:15 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).