Adilabad: The tourism department in Adilabad has clarified that no private or permanent structure will come up within the 200-metre radius of Shyam Ghad (fort) monument near Nirmal town.
The fort was erected by Nimma Naidu who ruled the region in the 17th Century. The Nirmal word was derived from his name. Nimma Naidu had encouraged the artisan community and promoted their art. He had asked the Nakashi community to come to Nirmal and encouraged their paintings which were popular worldwide. Nirmal paintings and toys were made of a rare lightweight Poninki wood which was available in the Adilabad forests.
Now, restoration works of the collapsed and damaged walls of the fort have been undertaken at a cost of Rs 75 lakh. The officials denied reports of construction of a restaurant or any other permanent structure inside and outside the fort. The restoration works are being supervised by engineers of the archaeology department. District tourism officer V. Ravi Kumar made it clear that the restoration works were going on as per prescribed norms. Private contractors were doing works under the supervision of archeological engineers. However, tourism officials are yet to arrange lighting and music system at the fort.
Only snacks and tea will be made available at Shyam Ghad. Visitors are requested to avoid polluting the area and ensure sanitation and sanctity of the surroundings. On the other hand, Tourism department is planning a rural tourism project at Kadthal on Nirmal bypass road.
