Restore Aurangzeb-built fort Qila-e-Ark, make it tourist hub: Experts
(Sourced from PTI)
Aurangabad's Qila-e-Ark, a palace built by Mughal ruler Aurangzeb, is lying in a dilapidated condition and cultural experts have demanded that it be conserved to make it a tourist attraction. Experts said, "Though some new buildings have come up in the premises in the last several years, the old structure is crumbling and is in need of repair and restoration."
Sanket Kulkarni, a fort expert said, "The building complex was earlier a notified monument of the State Archaeology Department, but was denotified in 1971." "The monument witnessed the 'Vande Mataram Movement' held during the Nizam period. It is in a bad condition now," he added. Kulkarni said that the complex was converted into a college during the Nizam period.
Ajay Kulkarni, the convener of Aurangabad chapter of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), said, "The palace was constructed in 1650 by Aurangzeb. The structure lacks maintenance and its condition has deteriorated."
Swapnil Joshi, a member of the 'Amazing Aurangabad' organization, said that Qila-e-Ark is one of the beautiful monuments in Aurangabad. "If restored, it can become another tourist hotspot. Though the complex has new buildings now, the old structure has tourist potential," he said. He added, "Such structures could be a game-changer in terms of economy. European nations have many such examples."
A senior official from the State Archaeology Department said, "Qila-e-Ark is a denotified monument, and the authority, under whose jurisdiction it comes, needs no permission from us to undertake the conservation." The official said that so far no agency has approached them for advice on the structure's conservation. "If they come, we can surely help," he added.
Aurangabad Collector Sunil Chavan said, "The district administration will take up conservation of a part of the structure." He added, "An entry gate of the building complex and its adjacent fortified wall will be taken up for conservation in the near future."
