Remove Encroachments from Fort Lands: Kishan Reddy
Strict action may be taken against encroachers as per law and that full cooperation may be extended to ASI for protection and preservation of the historical and heritage monument: Kishan Reddy
Hyderabad: Union coal and mines minister G. Kishan Reddy has urged Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy to act swiftly to remove encroachments and illegal constructions around the historic Warangal fort and restore the land to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). In an open letter, he stressed that Warangal, the Kakatiya capital for nearly 250 years, stands as a symbol of Telangana’s cultural and architectural heritage and must be protected in full.
Kishan Reddy recalled that Warangal fort, known for its seven concentric fortification walls, temple remains and sculptural richness, was a centrally protected monument under ASI supervision. He said only three of the original seven fort walls survive today, while large stretches of fort land have allegedly been encroached upon by private individuals raising unauthorized structures.
The minister said ASI officials had repeatedly issued notices to encroachers and written multiple times to the Warangal district collector seeking demolition of illegal constructions, but “no effective action” had been taken. He pointed out that revenue records showed these lands as generic “government land” rather than explicitly as ASI property, creating legal hurdles for the agency to act firmly.
Kishan Reddy noted that ASI had sought a joint field survey and rectification of records through a letter dated October 15, 2025, so that Warangal fort land could be clearly identified as belonging to ASI and further encroachments prevented. He alleged that portions of the mud rampart and stone wall had been recently occupied to facilitate new private constructions, damaging the heritage precinct.
Recalling his recent visit to Warangal, the Union minister said ASI officials had briefed him on how illegal activity was undermining conservation efforts, even as the Centre installed sound-and-light facilities and continued restoration works to boost tourism.
Appealing for a “special initiative” from the Chief Minister, he urged the state government to identify and remove all illegal structures, free encroached fort lands and hand them back to ASI, take strict legal action against encroachers and correct revenue records to reflect ASI ownership, ensuring full central support for preserving Warangal’s Kakatiya-era legacy.
