Mungantiwar urges urgent repair of cracks in Chandrapur's Jatpura Gate

MLA Sudhir Mungantiwar has taken the initiative for the repair of the Jatpura Gate in Chandrapur. The structure, a testimony to the grandeur of the Gond era, has witnessed hundreds of years of history. He has noticed large cracks in the joints of the stonework on its inner side.

Mungantiwar has demanded urgent action so that this invaluable heritage is not neglected with the passage of time and the safety of the structure is not put at risk. He has written to the Chandrapur Collector and the Superintending Archaeologist of the Mumbai Circle of the Archaeological Survey of India. In the letter, he has said that expert inspection on site, a technical examination, necessary repairs and scientific conservation work should be taken up on priority.

Mungantiwar says preserving the Jatpura Gate is the need of the hour. He says that in maintaining historic structures, superficial repairs alone should not be done, and their original design and historical features must be retained. The joints between the stones have opened at many places on the inner side. Experts should examine what effect this could have on the structural stability of the monument. He has noted in the letter that timely preventive measures and technical repairs will help avoid possible damage later.

The demand is that expert officers and engineers of the Archaeology department visit the site at once and inspect it. It has also been asked that a detailed technical assessment be made of the joints between stones, the cracks, the wear of the masonry and the stability of the stones. Mungantiwar has suggested that if the inspection finds an immediate risk to the structure, necessary preventive measures be taken to avert a possible mishap.

He has also said that while filling the joints and cracks, care should be taken that the original architectural style and historical character of the monument remain intact. He has demanded in the letter that a technical plan and cost estimate for the repair be prepared in line with archaeological principles and that work begin on priority.

Mungantiwar has also underlined the need to set up a permanent arrangement of regular maintenance, periodic technical inspection and monitoring of the structural condition, so that further damage does not occur. He has also asked for a detailed report on the findings of the site inspection, the technical assessment, the proposed repair method and the timeline fixed for the work. Once a historic structure is damaged, restoring its original form is often difficult, so it is important to take protective measures in time rather than wait for the damage to grow.

The Jatpura Gate is an important legacy of Chandrapur's historical identity and the grandeur of the Gond era. MLA Sudhir Mungantiwar has taken a firm stand that it be conserved scientifically so that this invaluable heritage is kept safe for future generations.