The Hyderabad Golf Association denies any foul play in the development of the golf club and says that it is in fact the golf club that has been protecting the heritage structures of Golconda Fort and the Naya Quila from further encroachments. Club authorities said that land grabbers are feeding wrong information to locals and NGOs for their vested interests, but have remained oblivious to the severe destruction to the structures taken over by encroachers.

“The Hyderabad Golf Club is an important part of the development of the city, especially with the nearby Hitec city. Visitors can come and have a leisurely time at the golf club which is only adding to the ambience of the heritage structures. Development of the golf course in and around the Naya Quila area will enhance, protect and beautify the heritage structures contrary to what is being projected. As it does not require any structures to be built or any major excavation and only needs grass, there is no question of damage to the structures,” said Mr Asadullah Pasha, captain of the golf course.

Refuting the allegation that the club is defacing heritage structures and planning to extend the course onto a graveyard, club authorities said that the HGA has not interfered in the survey of graveyard land (Survey No. 40) and that none of the natural contours have been changed for developing the club. “There are four graveyards or prayer sites within the 200 acres given to us for developing the golf course and we have demarcated each one of them. We are also not stopping access to the sites as is being alleged. The golf course will only be developed on the free space,” said Mr Pasha.