Imphal, April 01: As part of the Kangla Fort beautification and conservation programmes initiated by the Government process are on to develop the inner Kangla moat, construct the northern compound wall fencing and numerous other structures The said works would be implemented at the earliest as proposals placed by the Kangla Fort Board has already been endorsed by the State Govt, said Archaeology Department sources.

Besides the two mentioned works, the Board has also proposed construction of two Kangla Shas (mythical animal) at the entrance of Uttra, develop Nungjreng Pukhri, identification of existing trees inside the Fort and plantation of medicinal plants.

The Board set up to develop and conserve the historic site is also reported to have sent proposal for establishment of a unity park, an open museum as well as Kangla museum.

Currently experts of International Council of Monuments and Sites (Icomos) are engaged in conservation works of the age-old Shi Govindajee Temple some portions of which including the roof and walls had crumbled about two years back.

From the initial engagement of only eight Icomos workers the number has been increased to 18 and considering addition of the manual labour and hectic works being carried out at the Temple the three years deadline set for completion of the works by Icomos Engineers are likely to be shortened, mooted the source.

The final estimated amount presented by the Icomos authority for such works has also been approved by the State Govt, informed the source while adding that on completion of the Temple renovation/repairing the Icomos workers are also likely to be engaged in construction of the citadel and Brindavanchandra Garden even though cost for the works is yet to be worked out.

Regarding the renovation of the inner moat, the source said earth digging works would be carried out at the present location after clearing the weed while the Fort's northern wall (Kekrupat side) construction would start soon.

On the other hand, construction activities of a new Pakhangba temple measuring 40x40 feet inside the historic Fort are also in full swing.

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