SHIMMERING IN GLORY: With the Government initiating efforts to get World Heritage status, the architectural splendour of the tombs will get a major boost. - Photo: Satish H .

HYDERABAD: Quli Qutb Shahi tombs, a popular heritage-cum-tourist site, will be promoted as one of heritage sites for World Heritage status.

Though renowned monuments such as the Charminar and Mecca Masjid are awaiting the prestigious recognition, the Government has initiated efforts to include Quli Qutb Shahi cluster too in the list to be submitted to the world body.

A unique heritage monument where six of seven Quli Qutb Shahi dynasty rulers were buried, the tombs and gardens are acclaimed for their historical and architectural significance, says Archaeology Department Director J. Kedareswari. More importantly, the cluster includes the famous Golkonda fort.

The Secretary, Tourism, Archaeology and Culture deputed two officials from the Department of Archaeology for a seminar organised by the Archaeological Survey of India in Chennai to make a representation on the cluster that also comprises Taramati Baradari, Premavathi mosque, Hakimpet Sarai and Sheikpet Sarai.

Buffer zone

There are other criteria like providing a buffer zone around the tombs besides making them community-friendly with employment generation potential for securing world heritage recognition. "The tombs meet most of the criteria," she says.

However, they are at the receiving end of people's insensitivity and continue to be littered and vandalised.

An American tourist felt the tombs could be to Hyderabad what Taj Mahal is to Agra. "The gardens could do with better tending and people should be restrained from throwing litter and writing graffiti."

Delicate balance

Ms. Kedareswari maintains that the effort has been to preserve the heritage gardens, mostly orchards that attract a variety of birds, ponds and step-up wells and strike a balance between culture and conservation.

"The gardens are serene and present a breathtaking view of the night sky. We got the entire gardens and foliage surveyed."

"Graffiti is a menace. Even the Charminar is a victim of it.

The department is contemplating installing CCTVs to fine offenders besides placing signages to inculcate a sense of pride and ownership among people," she says.

Heritage clubs are being set up in educational institutions to create awareness among student and corporates like Deloitte were chipping in to maintain the monument.

More amenities, outer boundary wall to let people stay in gardens till late night, solar lamps and optic fibre lighting for soft illumination of gardens and heritage fountains will be taken up this year at a cost of Rs. 5 crores, she says.

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