Hyderabad: One of the most important heritage structures within the Golconda Fort walls, the Katora Houz, is being tampered with. A large pipeline is being laid within the tank, which is changing the status of this historic monument.
Over the years, a lot of money has been spent on repairing and rejuvenating this royal swimming pool that spans over eight acres. However, despite these efforts, the pool has turned into a cesspool. It is also getting overrun by water hyacinths, which are known to be breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
Recently, locals were surprised by a new development. Pipeline work, believed to be for the locality’s sewerage system, started a few weeks ago at the North East and South West corners of the pool. “A few days back, tourists and locals were shocked to see that work of laying huge drainage pipelines was going on in this ancient Katora Houz, which is unprecedented,” said Abdul Raheem, a resident of Golconda.
The Katora Houz is thought to have been built by the Qutub Shahi kings and used as a swimming pool for royalty over 450 years ago. The tank is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and is listed along with other key structures like Naya Qila, Attarseed, and Balahissar. The Katora Houz used to receive water from Durgam Cheruvu and was about 10 feet deep when filled to the brim. Nowadays, the water in it comes from rain or sewage.
Locals blame the ASI’s neglect for the current state of the heritage structures, except for Golconda itself. “Due to the carelessness of ASI, the historical and ancient Katora Houz in Golconda Fort has been a victim of destruction for many years. At least now the present State government, which is trying to preserve historic lakes and has engaged HYDRA, should also focus on these historic marvels,” said Mohd Habeebuddin, a local heritage activist.
Habeeb further pointed out that several announcements were made to clean the ancient Katora Houz and make arrangements for boating, but the authorities have not taken action.
“Currently, Katora Houz, which was once a swimming pool during the Qutub Shahi period, has been turned into a dumping ground and a public toilet. It is requested that the ASI remove the sewage pipeline laid inside this tank. The authorities should prioritize repair work to attract tourists,” he demanded.
