The Pallipuram Fort at Vypeen, a 16th century Portuguese-era monument which is said to be the oldest surviving European fort in India, has got a new lease of life with the Archaeology Department carrying out the much-needed conservation activities to give it a facelift, besides structural integrity.
In a state of disrepair since 2006, the fort had been in a shambles, with plants growing over the structure and plastering flaking off. It had developed seepage as well.
“The restoration work was begun in a phased manner. A large part of the work has been completed. We have chemically destroyed the overgrowth before re-plastering the structure. The surface was pressure-washed, and a coat of breathable emulsion paint was applied, primarily to protect it from rain. Whatever we have done on the structure is reversible,” says S. Bhupesh, conservation engineer, Archaeological Department.
While the white colour of the fort has raised a few eyebrows, he explains that the original colour of the fort was white. “It was originally in limestone power paint. That’s why we have painted it white using a breathable material,” he says.
Weak foundation
A major problem facing the riverside structure was the erosion of top soil in high tide. “This had led to a weakening of the foundation. To prevent further damage to the foundation, a two-metre-wide kerb wall was also built around it,” says Mr. Bhupesh. The fort now has a clearly demarcated boundary with a gate to restrict entry to unwanted elements, and work on a granite paved walkway is under way. There’s also a toilet block. It’s also a semi-permanent structure.
An officer, who is in charge of the monument, one of the 181 protected monuments of the department in the State, says post-renovation the site is getting increasing footfall. “We will also restore and preserve a pond, a part of the fort complex, and a project on landscaping the area is expected to be approved soon,” he says. The department is learnt to have spent around ₹40 lakh to renovate the fort.