In an ambitious attempt to safeguard its iconic landmark from terrorist attacks. Paris is currently going to construct a bombproof wall around the Eiffel Tower.
An 8-foot-tall reinforced glass barrier will erected around the base of the Eiffel Tower. As security forces say that the iconic Paris landmark remains a prime target for terrorists, following a series of attacks throughout France within the past 2 years.
Paris Is Planning To Build Bombproof Wall To Shield Eiffel Tower Against Terror Attacks
Shield Eiffel Tower
“The terror threat remains high in Paris and also the most vulnerable sites, led by the Eiffel Tower. Since should be the object of special security measures,” said the assistant mayor for tourism, Jean-Francois Martins. “We have 3 aims – to enhance the look, make access easier and strengthen the protection of visitors and staff.”
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The anti-ballistic fence won’t just cover the steel structure itself, but the gardens surrounding it. And access will restricted through fewer entry points, making it easier to monitor. Although visitors can have to pass through checkpoints to enter the forecourt, it’ll remain free.
Shield Eiffel Tower
“All the work to secure the Eiffel Tower is being done in consultation with the Architectes des Bâtiments de France [the country’s architects’ association]. So that it fits as well as possible within the neighborhood,” Martins said. “This may be a necessity in terms of security. However it’ll also create it possible to re-establish a link between the forecourt of the monument and the gardens.”
Shield Eiffel Tower
The 300-meter-tall Eiffel Tower, made for the 1889 World’s fair to be the tallest within the world at that time. Since is already enclosed by a temporary chain-link fence, put up for the euro 2016 football tournament last summer. Also following the Paris terrorist attacks in November 2015 that took the lives of 130 people.
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The construction is going to carried out in association with the Architectes des Bâtiments de France which Paris’s top construction guild.
While most have welcome the effort to upgrade the site, some politicians have opposed to the most recent announcement. Yves Pozzo di Borgo, a senator from the Centrist Union, told the daily LE Parisien that the wall would turn the Eiffel Tower into a “fortress.”
Shield Eiffel Tower
“These measures should not distort the architectural aspects of the environment,” insisted Catherine Dumas, a member of the center-right Republicans.
The latest act of terrorism in Paris occurred last week. When Egyptian citizen Abdallah El-Hamahmy attempted to assault four soldiers near the Louvre with a machete. El-Hamahmy shot many times and remains in critical condition in hospital.
