The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : Royal cemetery gone to seed

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, May 03, 2007
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Royal cemetery gone to seed

J.S. Ifthekhar

IN UTTER NEGLECT: What is supposed to be a boating pond is now a garbage dump at the Quli Qutb Shah Tombs in Golconda. — Photo: Mohd. Yousuf

Hyderabad: It plays host to mushairas, the Deccan festival and other such programmes aimed at promoting domestic tourism. But its maintenance leaves a lot to be desired. The Qutb Shahi Tombs is anything but cleanly maintained.

People come here in droves to see the final abode of the erstwhile rulers of Golconda. But the poor upkeep of this royal cemetery turns many people away.

Right adjacent to the mausoleum of Quli Qutb Shah, the founder of Hyderabad, one can find the pathways dotted with litter.

The rectangular enclosure, which was designed to be a boating pond, has turned into a garbage dump.

Disposable cups, plates, plastic bottles lie strewn all over. In a corner can be seen a garbage heap, part of which is burnt.

Though rubbish bins are available, yet the enclosure seems to be a favourite spot for throwing litter.

No explanation

Watchmen have no explanation for this phenomenon. During her recent visit to the city, Union Minister for Tourism and Culture, Ambika Soni, was informed about the poor upkeep of the Qutb Shahi Tombs.

A memorandum in this regard was also submitted to her by the Social Welfare Society, Golconda.

This enclosure, which was once a garden, was sought to be converted into a boating pond during 1972.

The Department of Archaeology and Museums spent a substantial amount but somehow a proper water source could not be found to fill the pond. Therefore, the idea of letting people enjoy the serene surroundings through a boat ride could not take off.

Next to this abandoned pond is an ancient well. Here a board has been put up to warn visitors against taking a swim since the well is "very deep and dangerous."

Yet, there is no stopping the youth who keep diving. Strangely, the watch and ward staff of the tombs makes no effort to stop the youngsters.

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