Hyderabad: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) plans to restore and maintain the historic Golconda Fort and nearby heritage sites in Hyderabad.
The decision followed a meeting between Karwan MLA Kausar Mohiuddin and ASI officials, including Superintendent Dr. Nikhil Das. The MLA highlighted the need to clean the Golconda Fort Khandak (moat), inspect Shah Hatim Talab, and tidy Katora Houz. Mohiuddin urged the ASI to expedite these projects.
Mohiuddin pointed out that the Khandak around Golconda Fort hasn’t been desilted since 1947. After the AIMIM's appeal to the ASI in New Delhi, ASI Telangana inspected the site. They are preparing a report to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC), allowing the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) to begin desilting.
The MLA also requested ASI to manage Shah Hatim Lake’s surplus water outlet and clean the lake to prevent nearby flooding.
For Katora Houz, Mohiuddin said ASI agreed to restore it to its former glory. They are pursuing a NOC, and HMDA and Telangana Tourism will handle the project, sharing any tourism revenue equally with ASI.
Mohiuddin discussed a Sky Cable project, requesting a NOC for it. Once approved, HMDA and Telangana Tourism will execute the project together. He also raised concerns about closed mosques in Golconda and Shaikpet, with ASI planning an inspection soon.
Currently, Shah Hatim Talab is mosquito-infested and overflows during monsoons, affecting nearby colonies. Residents seek a permanent solution. An activist mentioned that the original drainage from Shah Hatim Talab to Naya Qila Talab and Langer Houz is now destroyed.
Katora Houz, near Golconda Fort, has been neglected for years and is in poor condition. Although GHMC and ASI allocated funds, no restoration work has begun, leaving the area in disrepair, according to activist Habeeb.
