Kerala rain: Portion of Bekal Fort's observation post caves in

KANNUR: A portion of the outer wall of the observation post of the historic Bekal Fort in Kasaragod caved in on Sunday night, due to the impact of the heavy rain that lashed the district in the past few days.

According to officials, the laterite bricks on the outer wall caved in, following which the monument has been closed for visitors.

“The damaged post, which is on the eastern side of the fort, is not likely to affect the strength of the monument, said one of the officials, adding that they are studying the intensity of the damage.

“We have to assess the damage and nature of the collapse, after which conservation measures would be taken accordingly,” said K P Mohandas, superintending archaeologist (in-charge), Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Thrissur circle. He said the monument was well preserved and regular conservation activities are done there.

“The only reason for the wall collapse could be the heavy rain and we could take up any repair work only after the rain situation improves and the actual damage is ascertained,” he said.

“But as of now the main structure is safe, said the official.

Bekal Fort, a historic monument in northern Kerala , is situated nearly 16km south of Kasaragod town and it is a major attraction for domestic as well as international tourists. The fort, which is on the shores of the Arabian Sea, is said to have built by Kolathiri Raja and was reconstructed by local ruler Sivappa Nayaka in the seventh century. Later, Hyder Ali conquered the fort, thus bringing it into the hands of Mysore kings. During the time of Tipu Sulthan, who was on a military expedition to capture Malabar, Bekal fort was an important military station, it is said.

A popular film shooting spot, especially for songs, the fort shot to fame outside Kerala through the songs like ‘Uyire’ in Mani Rathnam movie ‘Bombay’.