ASI to seek State government’s help to remove algae from Vellore fort moat

The water in the moat of the 16th century Vellore Fort has turned brown due to thick growth of algae. This has threatened the fish population in the moat, which is important for fish farming. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) will seek help from the State government to clean the moat and prevent future algal growth. The Tamil Nadu Water Supply and Drainage Board (TWAD) will test the water samples to determine the type of algae and its harmful effects. The ASI will bear the cost of cleaning and take steps to prevent further contamination. The moat was desilted in 2022 as part of the Smart City Mission work.