Plans afoot for cafeteria inside secret tunnel discovered in Jaipurs Amer Fort

The authorities ecstatic with the discovery of a secret tunnel in Jaipurs hot spot, Amer Fort, are mulling on the idea of establishing an underground cafeteria to encourage more tourists to come and view the 16th century majestic fort.

Jaipur, July 18 : The authorities ecstatic with the discovery of a secret tunnel in Jaipur's hot spot, Amer Fort, are mulling on the idea of establishing an underground cafeteria to encourage more tourists to come and view the 16th century majestic fort.

The recent excavation work undertaken at the famous fort, located on a hilltop few miles outside Jaipur, has revealed a one and a half kilometre long secret tunnel connecting the fort to the neighbouring Jaigarh Fort.

"When tourists come to this place they will come to see the tunnel. The officials are deliberating for setting up of a cafeteria," said B. D. Garg, an executive engineer working at the site.

However, the discovery of the new tunnel was not at all easy.

Those involved with the excavation work said they faced numerous problems, including battling poisonous snakes, scorpions and bats. Apart from the stench, the workers also had to fight off the lack of oxygen.

"When we initially started working, it was difficult as there was lack of oxygen. No worker could work for more than one or one and half-hour. Four workers would work at a time and after a while, those four will come out and another four will go in. Now, we have introduced lighting and ventilators," said Mangesh Singh, a contractor.

Tourists said they were elated to hear about the discovery of the new tunnel.

"It is interesting, the kind of discoveries is nature and we can learn from them" said Jannet, a tourist.

Amer Fort is one of five Indian heritage sites included in the World Monuments Fund's list for 2008 of the 100 most endangered heritage sites.

From the tourism point of view, Rajasthan is home to magnificent palaces, forts, sand dunes, wildlife and a rich culture has witnessed a tourism spurt in the recent years.

ANI