It is one of the popular entrances to the Golconda Fort
Two-wheeler riders drive past the Moti Darwaza that broke away from its hinges and fell. (Photo: DC/File)
Hyderabad: The historic Moti Darwaza, one of the popular entrances to the Golconda Fort, detached from the arch and fell on Wednesday morning. Fortunately, no one was injured in the accident.
While people blame Archaeological Survey of India’s negligence and digging of roads by several government departments, officials said wear and tear due to weather conditions caused the door to detach.
A crane was initially brought to move it, but the door was too heavy. An excavation machine was then brought in by the GHMC which cleared the door from the arch. The road was blocked for more than seven hours on Wednesday.
“It has been over two months since the electricity department and the Water Board dug up roads near the entrance. The continuous digging had loosened the soil and finally led to the door getting detached. Thankfully, it happened early in the morning and no one was hurt,” said Mohd Rafi, a resident of Motinagar.
“We had even complained about it to the ASI officials. It is one of the seven entrances to the fort. Negligence of the ASI has caused this. Earlier too there was some damage to the door, but they never bothered to check,” he added.
There are seven entrances to the fort including the Fateh Darwaza, Moti Darwaza, Kothkuta Darwaza, Jamali Darwaza, Macca Darwaza, Banjari Darwaza, and the Bahamani Darwaza. Only five of these are now open to the public.
“It was built more than 700 years ago. Now, there is continuous heavy vehicle movement with many RTC buses,” a resident said. Dr N. Satyanarayana, zonal commissioner, Central Zone said, “We provided necessary assistance that was asked for.” No ASI official was available for comment.
( Source : dc correspondent )
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