Sindhudurg, Aug. 11 -- The lower part of the Venkat Tower, one of the pivotal buildings close to the lighthouse of the UNESCO World Heritage Fort Vijaydurg, collapsed and was submerged in the Arabian Sea by continuous monsoon waves, raising concerns over the weakening structural foundation of the fort.
The accident, which occurred due to the intense pressure of the waves during recent rains, brings to light the yearly monsoon destruction that prompts frequent collapses throughout this ancient monument.
Increasingly rising sea levels and increased wave speeds during monsoon months caused the tower's sudden collapse affirming suspicions that the fort's coastal defenses are increasingly weakening.
Originally designed in the 17th century to ...