Archaeological Survey of India winning battle against wall vandals in Hyderabad

Hyderabad: There’s less graffiti being scribbled on Charminar these days. And the Archaeological Survey of India attributes this to installation of ‘interpretation boards’ throwing light on the history of Charminar and increased vigilance.

Charminar, like other historical and protected monuments such as the Golconda fort and Qutb Shahi tombs, is prone to vandalism.

The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Site and Remains Act had even raised fines from Rs 5,000 and three months’ jail to Rs 1 lakh fine and two years’ jail.

“There has been a drop in incidents since the boards went up. Visitors are now more engrossed in studying the history of the monument and site,” said Mr Ch Babji Rao, assistant, superintendent archaeologist and registering officer for AP and Telangana.

“In most incidents of defacing, the accused are mostly young and are warned, counselled and let off,” he added.

According to Mr Gopal Rao, ASI official at Charminar, there were at least one to two cases of defacing every day six months ago but now, it’s down to a couple of cases a week. “Some even write their names on the walls with their nails. The monument bleeds to death because of such vandalism,” rued Mr Babji Rao.

The ASI has now posted 15 security guards who keep a close watch on visitors lest they enter danger zones or indulge in vandalism. Miscreants arrested by security personnel are handed over to nearby Charminar police station.

“They are warned, counseled and let off after an undertaking that they will not commit the crime again and after they tender an apology. There are no repeat cases in such incidents,” Mr Gopal Rao added.