Ramparts of Red Fort were about to collapse, says ASI | Photo Credit: TOI Archives

NEW DELHI: "This nation has been built by our farmers, our workers, our mothers and sisters, our youth," said Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his iconic 2014 Independence Day address issued from the ramparts of the Red Fort.

Considered to be the most significant post-independence monument, the Red Fort is an essential part of the Indian democratic system. However, in an astonishing development, the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) has claimed that the ramparts of the monument were on the verge of collapse. The report emerged during a year-long restoration of the Red Fort that was initiated at the beginning of this year. The total cost of the restoration project has been estimated at Rs 55-60 crore.

In a statement, ASI asserted that it has removed an inconceivable 22,000 quintal of dirt from the terrace of the 370-year old monument. The cleaning drive that was conducted over a period of the past five months was undertaken to remove an almost two-metre thick layer composed of dust and other air pollutants.

Also Read: Income inequality at its highest in 92 years; Satellite images of India at night illustrate wealth gap

Janhwij Sharma, Joint Director General (Conservation, World Heritage) of ASI told media that this is the first time in 100 years that a drive has been launched to clean up the Red Fort. "The idea was to restore the terrace of the Lahori Gate by removing this huge dead load of 2.5 million kilos of earth which we have almost concluded successfully," he said adding that dead load was weakening the structure over a period of time and could have brought down a substantial part of the main front door any second now.

The ASI official also stated that the team will also work on landscaping, toilets and drinking water facilities within the fort, as part of the drive. In addition, in order to provide visitors with an experience of the fort as it was in the 19th century, the team is also removing more than seven layers of plasterwork which had rendered Mughal-era paintings inside the structures, out of sight. Superintendent Archeologist at the Red Fort, Navratna Kumar Pathak said that the team is also applying a paste of 'Multani Mitti' on the marble structure of the famed Diwan-i-Khas with the intention of bringing back its original colour.

Must Read: No food from plough to your plate until farmers’ demands are met; strike for 10 days