Located nine kilometers from Secunderabad, the Moula Ali hills are famous for the Moula Ali dargah, the picturesque views of the city, the unique rock formations and caves. But on Wednesday morning, Gopala Krishna and his group of nature lovers were in for a rude shock.
“We were surprised to see a newly-made dirt track leading uphill. Along the track, there were signboards warning people of rock blasting. Climbing up the hill, we found a large quarry, debris from blasted boulders and a huge JCW where once were an amazing sheet rock formation and boulders,” says Gopala, adding, “Moula Ali comprises three hills; while the first two are protected because of the dargahs, the third hill is where construction has begun.”
Upon inquiry, Gopala and his group found out that the work was being carried out by the municipality to construct a water tank. “I am not sure how things are done, but I wonder if the water tank construction could be done someplace else,” he says. Buried under the debris are cave tunnels which are frequented by trekking and adventure enthusiasts in the city.
“The quarry is right next to the popular Sentinel Rocks. I’m afraid the breathtaking boulder formations here won’t last long... these rocks, which have been here since the earth’s crust solidified some two-and-a-half billion years ago, have fallen prey to human activity.”
