After Independence-Day, squatters will be removed

Hyderabad: A location near Fateh Rahbar Tope (canon), also known as Athara Seedhi (18 stairs), at Golconda Fort, has reportedly been identified by Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao as the ideal location to conduct the official Independence Day celebrations.

Golconda is known for its encroachments, poor upkeep and decades of neglect, which have threatened its cultural heritage and for years together it has been lying in ruins due to government apathy.

Hyderabad Mayor Mohammad Majid Hussain said, “The arrangements at Golconda for the Independence-Day celebrations will be personally monitored by my team. A detailed list on the requirements will be prepared by the commissioner on Tuesday. That apart, a new scheme of the GHMC will be launched on August 15.”

Commissioner of GHMC Somesh Kumar said, “More than 1,200 invitees are expected (on Independence Day) and the number might cross 2,000 if citizens who visit on their own are taken into account. The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation will take up the seating and standing arrangements, sanitation of the fort and the roads. After the Independence

Day, a special drive on encroachments will be taken up, all structures violating the norms will be identified and the roads leading to the fort will be maintained.”