While substantial movement has been made in terms of conservation at the Qutub Shahi Tombs complex, uncontrolled encroachments continue to ravage the heritage with each unlawful construction dangerously inching closer every day.
Experts are now worried that these structures could pose a threat to the chances of the heritage being listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
An official of the department of archaeology and museums who wish to be anonymous said, “We have sent notice upon notice to the proprietors but nothing seems to stop them. The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation has acted on some occasions but encroachments are back within a matter of a few days.”
What has complicated the matter is the fact that structures with affiliation to different faiths have begun slowly invading the heritage precinct. In a clear violation of rules, a wall has been knocked down to make way for residents of a neighborhood to enter the premises at will. Saffron and green flags continue their game of one-upmanship. Neither side seems willing to back down.
It was at a recent interaction with the media that the principal secretary of the department of tourism B P Acharya said that the encroachments would be dealt. However, no progress seems to have been made thus far.