Hyderabad: How Naya Qila faces flooding due to encroachments, diverted wastewater

Hyderabad: Naya Qila, an extension of the iconic Golconda Fort, is facing preservation challenges due to abandoned repair work on damaged nalas by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

Locals have raised concerns about the deteriorating situation, with one of the Baradaris, or garden pavilions, at risk of flooding due to diverted wastewater.

Locals fear that the Hyderabad Golf Course Association (HGA) has occupied half of Naya Qila and is diverting wastewater from Shah Hatim Talab into the premises. ASI officials assured that once the nala they will not allow HGA to occupy.

Last year, ASI halted the HGA's extension works without permission. The association had gradually encroached into the Golconda Fort's Naya Qila area, imposing restrictions through its security and entry gates.

Naya Qila, excavated by ASI five years ago using Ground Penetration Radar technology, holds historical treasures including two pre-Hyderabad mosques – Mulla Khyali and Mustafa Khan. Additionally, a baobab tree, planted over 400 years ago by traveling Africans, adds to the site's historical allure.

Despite the road collapse connecting to the ancient Baobab Tree last year, ASI officials affirm the public's right to access the mosques, trees, and bastions without any restrictions. However, locals claim that wastewater diversion and alleged burning of the marsh by HGA for course expansion indicate a disregard for the historical site's integrity.

The 400-year-old Naya Qila was part of the Golconda fort, Now it has been separated due to encroachments and developed as an external fortification.

Majnu Bastion's collapse in 2021 and subsequent delays in repairs exemplify the challenges faced by ASI in safeguarding the heritage.

While the HGA's plans for golf course expansion raise concerns, ASI's documentation reveals the scientific clearance efforts, exposing the Persian garden's layout and water management system at Bagh-e-Naya Quila.