On Wednesday, The Hyderabad Golf Association (HGA) began excavation within the heritage zone of Naya Qila, a subject of heated debate between locals and the association, reportedly using heavy machinery, including earthmovers.
According to P Anuradha Reddy, Heritage activist and Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (Intach) Hyderabad Chapter convener, who went to visit the site, said there were at least four excavators and tractors which were pressed into service for digging or dumping within the Qila.
Anuradha said that she was prevented by the HGA security personnel from visiting what she described as a `public monument’ and also raised objections when she tried to photograph the site. “There were many excavators and tractors working. The contours of the place have changed,” Reddy said.
When get in touch with a senior official of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), who is the custodian of the monument, clarified that a request for permission from the HGA for digging was neither sought nor accorded to the association.
“They (HGA) have not asked us for permission, so the question of allowing them to do work there does not arise. The HGA has entered into a MoU with the tourism department. We have been asked to locate the Qutub Shahi Gardens but are unable to do so on account of the sewage water accumulation. We have forwarded a request for the same to the ASI directorate,” said a highly-placed source in the ASI.
A previous HC order had also directed HGA not to change the form of the heritage precinct.
“Despite the orders, the HGA is proceeding with the work at a breakneck speed,” Afzal told. Another source claimed that the HGA had filled up three ancient wells within the Qila. Alternatively