ASI clears Rockfort area tourism development plan

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has given its nod for implementation of Tiruchi Corporation’s ambitious Rockfort area tourism development project under the Smart City Mission.

Illumination of Main Guard Gate and Rockfort Temple, beautification of temple tank (Teppakulam), development of War Memorial and establishment of a Heritage Park are among the important components of the Rockfort area tourism development project.

The Corporation allotted ₹39.10 crore for the project. Introduction of pleasure boating service, restructuring of roads around Teppakulam tank, sound and light show, highlighting the historical background of the city also forms part of the beautification plan around Rockfort and Teppakulam.


Since the Rockfort Temple and Main Guard Gate are protected monuments under ASI, the Corporation sought its permission to carry out development works about a year ago. After studying the proposal, ASI wrote to Tiruchi Corporation seeking clarification.

Following this, a few modifications were made in the plan. Subsequently, an ASI team also visited the project sites to study the impact of carrying out works on the protected monuments. It has now cleared the decks for implementing the project.

N. Ravichandran, Commissioner, Tiruchi Corporation, told The Hindu that ASI had given its permission to start the project.

However, it might take a few more weeks to finalise the plan as the Technical Sanction Committee that reviewed the cost of the project had raised some queries. Hence, the project cost would be revised based on the inputs of the committee.

Almost a year had passed since the Detailed Project Report was prepared. Hence, there was a need to revise the project cost by taking into account of current schedule of rates.

The consultant appointed for preparing the DPR had been asked to incorporate the needed changes. It would be sent to the Commissionerate of Municipal Administration for getting Technical Sanction.

Oofficials had been asked to expedite the DPR process. After getting technical sanction, tenders would be called for the project, Mr. Ravichandran added.