Telangana State seeks Archaeological Survey of India nod for Independence Day fete

Hyderabad: Acting swiftly on Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao’s orders, Telangana state government has sought permission of the Archaeological Survey of India, New Delhi, for organising Independence Day celebrations at the historic Golconda Fort on August 15.

The 15th century Golconda fort is centrally protected monument and is under the aegis of the Archaeological Survey of India, under the Union ministry of culture.

An ASI official said there was no problem in giving permission while keeping in view safety of the monument. “We have received a request from the Telangana government (with regard to Independence Day celebrations). We do allow cultural functions to be held at protected monuments with some conditions,” Dr D.N. Dimri, director (antiquity, publication and CEP), ASI, New De-lhi told this newspaper.

Dr Dimri, who also ho-lds additional charge of director, monument, hinted that permission to the Telangana state government would be granted for holding Independence Day celebrations.

The Warangal district administration too is said to be considering the famed Warangal Fort to hold the Independence Day celebrations.

Warangal district collector G. Kishan, Urban SP Venkateshwara Rao and other senior civil and police officials visited the place to study the feasibility of hosting the celebrations there.
Collectors of other districts too are on the look out for new venues.