Ambala Gate, a victim of neglect
   Date :01-Mar-2021

Ambala Gate_1  
 Though neglected by present-day generation, the Ambala Gate is still holding up and providing a
magnificent view.
 
By Vijay Pande :
 
State Department of Archaeology and Museums officials assure to send team to repair the cracks in the heritage structure
 
 
Time is the biggest foe of heritage. For, the dust of neglect over the years dulls the lustre of glorious past. Ambala Gate, entrance to the famous Ambala lake in Ramtek, is an example of this. State and Central Governments have spent crores of rupees for maintenance, conservation, and development of places of archaeological and historical importance, and tourist interest in Ramtek and around. Among these places, however, the Bhonsla era entry gate to Ambala lake (old name ‘Ambkund Bhogawati Ganga) is a victim of utter neglect. One can find description of the gate in acclaimed book ‘Sindhuragiri Mahatmya’ written by Rambhau Joshi. Of the very attractive domes at the southern and northern ends of the entrance, the dome at the northern end collapsed a few years ago.
 
There is only one approach route to reach famous Ambala Gate through east, as other three sides are surrounded by Sindhuragiri Hills. Bhonsla kings had constructed an entry gate on this route to Ambala lake and big stones were used in the construction. The artistic engravings and hugeness of the gate speak volumes about its significance. There are two huge pillars erected on both sides of this gate, which is 20 feet long, 50 feet wide, and 60 feet high. It is a nice specimen of archaeological wonder. Ambala Gate was declared as a protected monument by the Department of Archaeology and Museums, Maharashtra Government. Nagpur office of the department had repaired this gate nine years ago, in 2011, by spending huge amount of money. However, no follow-up action was taken by the department resulting into gradual neglect of the gate.
 
The local experts feared that if immediate repairs were not undertaken, this heritage may get damaged. Despite huge sums spent by Archaeology Department on its maintinence, this 357-years-old gate is in a dilapidated condition. Though it is holding up, the cracks and growth of vegetation on its walls indicate that its structure is weakening. Even its parts may collapse, if proper attention is not paid well in time. Like other heritage structures, Ambala Gate too is no exception to violation by encroachers. Due to encroachments that have sprung up over the years, the view to the entire length of the gate is obstructed. Further, some encroachments are such that the wall of the gate is used as a support. Uday Singh alias Gajju Yadav, General Secretary of Nagpur District Rural Congress Committee and former Deputy Chairman of Panchayat Samiti, has been trying for years to preserve this heritage.
 
He expressed deep concern over the current state of Ambala Gate. He told ‘The Hitavada’ that he would write to Assistant Director of Department of Archaeology and Museums, Maharashtra, with a request to remove encroachment in front of the gate and to take necessary measures for repair of the cracks in the structure. Jaya Wahane, Assistant Director of Department of Archaeology and Museums, Maharashtra, told ‘The Hitavada’ that she would soon send an expert team and soon commence the work of repairing the cracks. Also, she said that her department would take immediate steps to remove the vegetation growth on the walls of the gate, or to dry those up through chemical treatment, to save the damage to the heritage structure.