4 weeks Ago
Vadodara: Fears over the condition of the iconic Mandvi monument in Vadodara were confirmed on Tuesday, as an official from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) declared the structure to be in a fragile state, requiring urgent restoration . The day saw heightened activity at the historic site, with elected representatives visiting Mandvi and seeking immediate intervention. Lawmakers contacted senior state govt officials and requested assistance from ASI to assess the monument's condition.
ASI officials arrived at the site by afternoon to conduct an inspection, even as Congress party members staged a protest demanding its conservation. Chief whip of the state assembly and Raopura MLA, Balkrishna Shukla, visited the site along with Vadodara MP Hemang Joshi. Speaking to the media, Shukla said, "We have requested ASI's expertise, as Mandvi is a significant heritage structure.
The next steps must be decided by experts in conservation." Following a preliminary inspection, the ASI official confirmed that the monument's condition was extremely fragile. "There are visible cracks, and without timely intervention, the structure could collapse," the official said.
They added that discussions with local authorities would be held to decide the future course of action. Concerns over its deteriorating condition have been growing in recent months, with locals urging authorities to take action before it's too late. Shukla said ASI's expertise was sought given that Mandvi is a centuries-old heritage monument.
"We want the future course of action to be guided by those well-versed in conservation," he added..
