ASI initiating steps to renovate moat around temple

Archaeological Survey of India is initiating steps to renovate the 2.5 km long moat around the 1,000-year-old Bragadheeswara temple, built by King Raja Raja Chola and the big fort, stretching to about 4 km.
A portion of the wall on the sides of the moat had collapsed recently.
As part of the about Rs 25 crore renovation project, thorny bushes, which were preventing the free flow of water would be cleared besides removing encroachers on the sides of the moat, District Collector N Subbian said.
It was also planned to operate boat service in the moat to boost tourism, he said.

Moat is one of the defence system to prevent enemies infiltration in historic days. They used to rear crocodiles and other poisonous water creatures in the moat to prevent sneaking of enemies.
Local residents, travel operators and political parties and temple officials had been demanding the renovation and cleaning of the moat following the collapse of the wall.

S Muthukumar Sathyamurthy, Honorary Secretary of Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage said the work was delayed due to problems created by encroachers on the sides of the moat.
He said the work had to be done very carefully as the side walls of the moat were weak at several points.

The Collector, who described the renovation as a massive work which needed high skills, said the project would be done with close coordination between various departments including ASI, Public Works Department and architects.