Hyderabad: The historic Dabeerpura darwaza has cracked and is splitting apart, with the authorities caring little for the upkeep of this magnificent gateway belonging to the Asaf Jahi era.
The darwaza is one of the two gates of the yore years remaining in the city. The gate was a part of the massive fortification wall with its doors and wickets that encircled the city and was constructed to prevent any enemy attack. The door has now cracked and pieces of wood have peeled off. The bottom of the door has got damaged.
“Nobody remembers when it was repaired last or at least moved. The door fixtures have rusted and loosened over a period of time. Yet officials are least bothered about in its upkeep,” said MBT leader Amjedullah Khan.
The darwaza and its precincts have been encroached by petty traders setting up temporary shops. While a pan shop functions on its western facade, some persons have erected a flag bearing religious significance and painted a part of the darwaza wall green. Behind it, a puncture fixing shop has come up very recently.
“It has happened over a period of time due to the lackadaisical attitude of the authorities. In other cities such historic structures are well maintained and measures for their regular upkeep are taken,” said Dabeerpura resident Ather Farooqui.
Intach member P. Anuradha Reddy said the structure was constructed with granite as with the Moazzamjahi market and the Macca Masjid, and did not need any whitewash or paint; the structure needed to be given a facelift with a chemical wash to retain its beauty. “Painting or whitewashing is in violation of the archaeological department rules,” she said.
The gate, built in the early 18th century, is flanked on either side by octagonal tower bastions. It was one of the 14 gates for entry and exit into the city. A circular wall of six miles existed around the city. But only a small portion survived.
