ASI takes up temple issue

Hyderabad: The Archaeological Survey of India has taken up the issue of Bhagya Laxmi temple with the State government, according to a senior official. 

ASI Superintending Archaeologist of Hyderabad Circle Milan Kumar Chauley said that part of the temple has encroached into the south-east minaret of the Charminar.

"Due to this we are unable to take up any conservation works on the south east minaret. To take up works we have to erect big scaffolding and presently are unable to do it," he said.

 The official presented his case with the aid of several photographs from 1950s to date which show that the temple came on the southern-east end of the monument much later. 

Mr Chauley showed several photographs in which depict the temple coming up abutting the minaret. Recently  in a RTI reply, the ASI has said they have taken up the issue of the temple with authorities and sought their help in redressing.

The ASI has time and again said that the temple is an encroachment on the monument.