Hyderabad: Golconda Fort and Charminar lagged way behind in revenue generation in 2013-2014 and were among the last four in the top 20 protected monuments in the country.
Hyderabad’s Charminar generated revenues of Rs 84,76,725 and Golconda Fort generated Rs 92,92,120. Despite being located in a much bigger city with efficient infrastructure, as far as revenues were concerned, both monuments stood alongside those in smaller cities like the Hazarduari Palace in Murshidabad (Rs 73,12,550), Daria Daulat Bagh in Srirangapatnam (Rs 71,01,025) and the Chittorgarh Fort (Rs 86,95,440).
However, with the Telangana state government planning to host Independence Day celebrations the Golconda Fort, heritage experts said that the roads leading to the fort will be developed and it will get more attention. Experts state that lack of proper waiting area for tourists, refreshment facilities, help-desks and poor accommodation facilities at these monuments are few of the reasons for low revenues.
Taj Mahal topped the list by generating a revenue of Rs 21,84,88,950, followed by the Agra Fort (Rs 10,22,56,790) and Qutub Minar (Rs 10,16,05,890).
Anuradha Reddy, convener, Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage, said, “Palaces or forts in Hyderabad lost their sheen because the actual owners did not retain their property and sold them off. If they would have been intact, then tourists at these places would increase. In North India, they have an undisturbed history and the authenticity of the forts is retained.”
Experts mentioned that there were proposals with the Archaeological Survey of India to develop more amenities on the hilltop of the Golconda Fort.
“Currently, there are not many facilities at Bala Hisar. They will develop a small cafeteria, refreshment points and employ more trained guides. More interactive display boards will also be put up. The government is also planning a five-year perspective plan for the revival of heritage across the region,” said an expert.
