Hyderabad: Historical monuments in the city are covered with advertisements of soft drink companies like Coco Cola. Apart from this, graffiti on the walls of these monuments and large advertisement boards and shops next to the monuments are big irritants.
While lovers etch their names on the walls of these historical structures, the Archaeology Survey of India (ASI) has hardly done anything. Similarly, officials of Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) are silent regarding the advertisement boards and hoardings at and near the monuments.
Most monuments in the city like the Charminar, Golconda Fort, Qutub Shahi tombs etc. are covered with advertisement boards.
Mr Xavier Augustin, founder of ‘X! Travel Club’ on Sunday criticised officials for remaining silent on such practices. He posted pictures on his Facebook wall stating that all the monuments in the city were being covered with soft drink ads.
“See how the mighty Coca-Cola paints the historical fort area of Golconda red. Literally, I really can’t tell the difference between the vandals who scribble their names on our landmarks and Coke ads who are trying to achieve the same – cheap and free advertisement. I hope our tourist areas and monuments are treated with more respect,” he said on his FB wall.
ASI has taken action to curb defacing of walls at Charminar by installing CCTV cameras but there is no end to the graffiti.
GHMC additional commissioner (Advt) Mr J. Shankaraiah told DC that big advertising boards and hoardings at historical monuments were against rules. “The issue has not come to our notice. We shall verify it soon by sending circulars to concerned zonal officials to launch an enforcement drive for taking action against such boards and hoardings,” he said.
