SAVE ERANIEL PALACE in MARTHANDOM

The famous ‘Eraniel Palace’ near Padmanabhapuram, Tamilnadu, which has witnessed many a decisive changes in the chronicles of the history of the erstwhile princely kingdom of Travancore is in the verge of total destruction. I sincerely feel that it is our responsibility to safeguard this historical monument and prevent it from disappearing totally, which will happen in a couple of month’s time, if left uncared.  As the palace is located in the regional boundary of Tamilnadu, It is the state government of Tamilnadu which can initiate efforts towards its conservation. Accordingly in the month of October the Honourable Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Selvi Jayalalitha Madam has allocated an amount of about 3 crores in the budget for its conservation. But even after 10 months no action has been taken up by the authorities to protect and safeguard this historic structure.

At this juncture if immediate restoration activities are not taken up, this building will soon become just a memory. We should try our level best to safeguard this palace even in this dilapidated state, as the historical records borne by this palace is a living force in the history of Travancore.

If we take the undermentioned steps, we may be able to protect the remnants of this historical palace atleast.

1.      Immediate instruction to be issued to The District Collector, Kanyakumari to provide basic protection for the site and its structures.

2.      Clearing the wild vegetation in the premises as well as on the building (after ensuring that the wild vegetation is not holding together the otherwise fragile parts of the historical structure).

3.      Covering the exposed timber rafters using some temporary roofing so as to prevent further decay of the timber rafters due to continuous exposure to rain and solar radiation.

4.      Preparation of a Conservation Project Report, exploring the ways and means of conserving the historic structure and its premises based on the budget allocation and immediate action to be taken in terms of intervention to safeguard the palace and restore it.

The constitution of India calla for protection of our rich cultural heritage and the Eraniel palace is a built heritage structure it's protection is extremely important for humanity. Kindly initiate necessary action in order to protect and preserve this magnificent building which has glittered in the chronicles of the history of Travancore so that WE CAN SAVE IT FROM BEING LOST FOREVER....