It is no longer impregnable. The once formidable Golconda fort has many holes in its armour. The outer fortification wall is a picture of neglect.
Interestingly, Golconda fort is in the list of world heritage monuments proposed for recognition by the UNESCO. But its maintenance leaves a lot to be desired.
Vertical cracks and heavy jungle type vegetal growth mar the exterior periphery. The battlement parapet, particularly on the Naya Quila side, is broken at several places.The Archaeological Survey of India, which maintains the monument, appears to be totally oblivious to the damage.
Interestingly, Golconda fort is in the list of world heritage monuments proposed for recognition by the UNESCO. But its maintenance leaves a lot to be desired. Domestic and international tourists who visit the citadel in large numbers are shocked at the crass negligence.
"A decade ago this was not the case. The authorities never allowed plant growth to take place," says Mirza Jameel Baig, a social activist of Golconda.
At some places the ASI has reconstructed the fallen fortification wall but a large portion still remains to be restored. Vegetal growth can be seen sprouting all along the 8 km long outer wall displacing the stones at many places. Near the Hazrath Syed Sultan Ali Shah Dargah lies a heap of fallen debris and stones.
This is not all. The moat around the fortification wall has become a dumping yard for all and sundry. Right from the MCH to the residents everyone throws garbage here. Some dairy farms are disposing off cow dung too. The ASI has 26 monument attendants for watch and ward duties. What they are doing is anybody's guess.
Source: The Hindu
