Crumbling walls, fading history in Tikamgarh

BHOPAL: Identity of Tikamgarh district, known for its fort, palaces and old buildings, is under threat from the protectors themselves. Centuries-old buildings are being demolished by the civic body in the name of development and the state government appears to be simply unbothered by an irreparable loss of heritage.
Topkhana building in the heart of city was pulled down by local municipality administration on October 1, 2012.The building built between 1820 and 1825 that till recently had hosted cultural programmes, is in ruins. Attempts were also made to fill bawris (step-well), at a stone's throw from Topkhana, but when locals came out on streets against the move, the administration had to retrace its steps. An excellent model of rainwater harvesting, the tanks remain filled with water throughout the year and helps maintain water-level in the city.
"We spoke to the state government and ASI officials, but none seemed bothered about the history. Locals need to realize the importance of heritage buildings and put pressure on the government to take up responsibility of protection," said director of Dwiza, a Bangalore-based design and art conservation centre, M Girish Koti.
The main fort, opposite Topkhana building too lies in a shambles. Walls of the building, which carry the remnants of the erstwhile princely state of Orchha are now mildewed and crumbling with time, weather and neglect. Goats and cows graze on the premises full of overgrown bushes and tall grass.
Plaster and bricks have started tumbling from the facade of Raj Mahal, built around 1700 AD. In past, kings of the region stayed in this palace during religious ceremonies. A portion of 18th century's Siddh Baba Haveli, which lies in a dilapidated condition, has already kissed the ground.
Tikamgarh once had 12 gates. Of these, 11 were demolished to ease traffic problem. The only remaining Kamani gate, too, stands vandalized and encroached. Dhonga ground, adorned with more than 100-year-old-palm trees from four sides, also lies unkempt. The ground was used for storing wheat by the state government last year.
While there are no concrete plans to infuse lease of life to these buildings, the local municipal administration is reportedly mulling over demolition of some more old buildings. Raj Mahal, Siddh Baba Haveli and Galla mandi gates are some of the structures which may disappear from the map of Tikamgarh in future.
Local MLA Yadvendra Singh recently wrote letters to Union minister Pradeep Jain, state PWD minister Nagendra Singh, governor, urban administration minister Babulal Gaur, principal secretary, MP and commissioner, Sagar division demanding their immediate intervention to stop the historical buildings from being demolished. But none replied.
"As per law, civic body cannot demolish the buildings constructed before 1918 without special permission or reason. However, rules were flouted openly in Tikamgarh while demolishing the Topkhana building. Present municipal chief, who is also facing charges of misuse of power, is in a mood to raze down all old buildings of city only for his own benefits. Heritage buildings like Raj Mahal and Siddh Baba Haveli should be repaired and protected, and not demolished to make way for ugly concrete bazaars," said the MLA.
When contacted, Tikamgarh collector Raghuraj Rajendran said, "We need to strike a balance between the growing city's requirements and its past. Topkhana building was demolished keeping in mind the safety of the girls studying in nearby schools. After lot of difficulties, we recently got Raj Mahal vacated from the government staff, who were staying there for decades. This could be developed into a museum in future. A few other buildings are in private possession and we cannot do much about them. We are also working on an ambitious project of connecting tanks to rivers, which would end dependence on rains."
He, however, rubbished reports of commercial establishments coming up in place of old buildings.