दक्षिणी मराठी खजाना

 

Rama Rao Lamp, the city’s own heritage possession, has been neglected by the authorities. Though the lamp was renovated under the City Road Improvement Programme, there was no sign of lighting it.

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When contacted, the Kerala Road Fund Board (KRFB), in-charge of the renovation works, said that it had taken necessary steps to light the lamp. However, the KSEB has not even received an application in this regard. The lamp, which has been wired for electrification, now stands as a symbol of the callous handling of heritage structures by the authorities concerned.

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According to historians, the lamp was made during the reign of Sree Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma. It was installed at LMS on the request of Udarashiromani Padmanabha Rao in memory of his father T Rama Rao. Rama Rao was the Diwan of Travancore during the time of Sri Moolam Thirunal. Though there is not enough proof, some say that the lamp was lit using kerosene in the past.

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After years of neglect, the KRFB renovated the lamp and prominently placed it at the LMS Junction. However, even after taking some steps for wiring, the authorities did not take much interest in lighting it.

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When contacted, KRFB chief operating officer C P Harikesh said that the lamp would be lit soon. However, Anil, KSEB Assistant Engineer in charge of the area, said that the KSEB could act only after receiving the concerned application from the KRFB.

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As there are enough electrical lamps at LMS Junction, the Rama Rao Lamp is not expected to serve that purpose. However,  the lackadaisical handling of heritage properties is evident in the issue.

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trivandrum@expressbuzz.com

Published: 07th September 2010