The National Monuments Authority (NMA) has provided authorization for a real estate project of 54 rowhouses within the regulated zone of the historic Golconda Fort and Qutb Shahi Tombs Complex in Hyderabad, Telangana. This approval carries a stipulation that the proposed buildings must align with the color aesthetics of the existing monuments to maintain consistency.
However, the Department of Heritage, Telangana, expressed several apprehensions in relation to the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) Act, even opposing the issuance of a no-objection certificate to the developer.
Prevailing Concerns Over The Housing Development
There are worries that the new constructions might disrupt the visual harmony between the two locations, which has stayed intact for centuries. The designated site for construction is situated 101 meters from the wall near Patancheru Darwaza, an erstwhile essential passage from the Inner Fort to Old Golconda.
It’s feared that these developments could interfere with the history of ‘Old Golconda’, as it’s suspected that Old Golconda might have originally encompassed the planned construction area. This housing project could also affect five small water bodies located between the fort wall and the outer enclosure of tombs, and potentially hinder efforts to gain World Heritage Status for the sites, a bid initiated in 2014.
In order to safeguard the heritage value of both sites, government institutions and citizens must collaborate effectively.
The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains AMASR (Amendment and Validation) Act, 2010
This legislation was ratified in 2010 with the aim of preserving, conserving, protecting, and maintaining all ancient monuments and archaeological sites deemed nationally important, along with their vicinity up to 300 meters or more in certain cases.
The act prohibits any construction or reconstruction in the prohibited area, which is up to 100 meters from the nearest protected limit of a monument or area of national importance. However, repair or renovation is permissible in these areas. In the regulated zone, which extends up to 200 meters from the prohibited area, activities such as repair, renovation, construction, and reconstruction are permissible.
All applications for construction-related work within the prohibited and regulated areas must be submitted to the Competent Authorities (CA) and subsequently to the NMA for consideration.
| Key Facts | Description |
|---|---|
| Prohibited Area | Area up to 100m from protected limit of monument |
| Regulated Area | Area up to 200m from prohibited area |
| AMASR Act | Preserves and protects ancient monuments and archaeological sites |
The Role Of The National Monuments Authority (NMA)
Established under the Ministry of Culture following the provisions of the AMASR act enacted in March 2010, the NMA has been tasked with managing the prohibited and regulated areas around nationally protected monuments. It is also responsible for granting permissions for construction-related activity within these zones.
About Golconda Fort
Located in the western part of Hyderabad city, the historical Golconda Fort, initially known as Mankal, was built on a hilltop in 1143. It began as a mud fort under the reign of Rajah of Warangal. Its robust fortification was completed between the 14th to 17th centuries by the Bahmani Sultans and then by the Qutub Shahi dynasty.
Insights Into The Qutb Shahi Tombs
Situated two kilometers from the Golconda Fort, the Qutb Shahi Tombs exhibit a blend of Persian, Hindu, and Pathani architectural styles. Designed and constructed by a succession of monarchs in the 18th century, these tombs are nestled amidst the scenic landscape and gardens of Ibrahim Bagh. Specifically, they commemorate the seven Qutub Shahi kings who ruled Golconda for nearly 170 years; the most notable being the tomb of Mohammed Quli Qutub Shah, the founder of Hyderabad.