Telangana High Court seeks response on Qutb Shahi Tombs conservation

Hyderabad: The Telangana high court has issued notices to State, Archaeology and Museums Department, Aga Khan Trust for Culture and others after a public interest litigation (PIL) was filed regarding the conservation of Qutb Shahi Tombs, a UNESCO-recognized heritage site in Hyderabad.

A two-judge bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Sujoy Paul and Justice Renuka Yara heard the petition based on a letter addressed to the court.

The letter alleges that Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC) which was given a contract to conserve the Qutb Shahi Tombs, has failed to accomplish the task despite an allocation of Rs 100 crore.

Questioning the trust competence, the letter stated that the restoration efforts have resulted in irreversible damage to the structures. It also highlighted how it led to loss of original layers and surfaces, water seepage and damage to the heritage site. The trust is also blamed for not doing enough to protect the site from vandalism.

The letter urged the court to issue directions to ensure site protection and also to take action against AKTC by immediately terminating its contract. It also demanded a probe against the AKTC for alleged mismanagement of funds and resources while seeking imposing penalties and sanctions on the trust for negligence in heritage conservation. The court has adjourned the matter to April 1, 2025.

The historical Qutb Shahi tomb complex spread over 100 acres consists of 40 grand mausoleums, idgah, graves, funerary 23 mosques, a hammam (bath), and five baolis (stepwells).