The five-storied structure, with the first floor built with sand stone and remaining four floors with brick masonry in limestone, dates back to the period of East Chalukyas who ruled the area during 15-16 centuries AD. Strikingly, the structure, 60ft in height, which has been declared a ‘protected’ monument by the Department of Archeology and Museums, stands out in the heart of the village with many residential buildings around.

Gathering dust

The proposal to save the ‘Rajagopuram’ from vibrations caused by the movement of heavy vehicles on the Eluru-Nuzvid road, which passes on the northern side of the structure, is gathering dust, thanks to official apathy. The Technical Advisory Committee appointed by the State government has recommended that the district administration divert heavy vehicles, like RTC buses and trucks laden with construction material, on a war-footing to save the structure from further damage.

The committee, during a field visit, observed that roof slabs had broken into four pieces, there were cracks on the outer wall of the structure and soil basement supporting the foundation of the structure was sinking due to vibrations caused by movement of heavy vehicles, among others. The then district Collector wrote to the Superintendent of Police to constitute an official committee representing the police, Roads and Buildings, RTC, Transport, Revenue etc to explore the possibilities for traffic diversion, skirting the Rajagopuram. Another committee of experts from the National Institute of Technology, Warangal, appointed by the Department of Archeology and Museums carried out soil test, foundation and structural tests and came out with similar recommendations. But the proposal failed to materialise. B.K.S.R. Ayyangar, a social activist waging a lone battle for preservation of the monumental structure, said the alleged inaction by the administration on the issue spoke of its ‘utter disregard’ for protection of heritage sites.