Kamareddy's Domakonda Fort, Golconda stepwells selected for UNESCO awards

Hyderabad: Two projects from Telangana have been awarded UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation for the year 2022. The awards recognize the conservation efforts of private individuals.

The Domakonda Fort in Kamareddy was selected for the 'Award of Merit' and the stepwells in the Qutb Shahi Tomb complex at Golconda were selected for the UNESCO 'Award of Distinction'.

Thirteen projects, including two from Telangana, have been selected from as many as 287 entries from across 11 countries in the Asia-Pacific region.

Restoration of stepwells of Golconda

UNESCO said that the restoration of the stepwells of Golconda has realized an ambitious, long-term vision for renewing the extensive complex of architectural and social spaces within the 16th-century Qutb Shahi necropolis.

"In recovering the stepwells and associated aqueducts from a state of neglect and partial ruins, the project has revived the function of the historic waterworks of irrigating the surrounding orchards and forests, thus enabling the holistic restoration of the historic landscape," UNESCO said.

The work was carried out by Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC). The stepwells were inaugurated earlier this year. In the monsoon, all six baolis were brimming with water at full capacity.

The conservation work was based on thorough research and understanding of the original engineering technology and was carried out with careful attention to the appropriate use of traditional materials and techniques.

"The work at the baolis (stepwells) has helped achieve many objectives. The six wells can store nearly 20 million litres of water. This mainly shows that historic buildings have significant economic value," Raith Nanda, the chief conservation architect at AKTC, told NewsMeter.

"The baolis restoration project has also created employment for artisans. Seventy-five per cent of the money goes into paying craftsmen wages. It took 20,000 man-days to complete the restoration works," he added.

Mr. Nanda further explained that the water will allow them to plant up to 15,000 saplings across Qutb Shahi Heritage Park.

"We at AKTC are trying to demonstrate how conservation can be done in the Indian context and it feels great that UNESCO has recognized our endeavors," he said.

Domakonda Fort revived as a cultural space

Initiated through private efforts, the Domakonda Fort project has been successfully revived as a cultural space for the community through modest physical intervention and with significant social impact.

The project applied original construction techniques and materials and trained local artisans in traditional building skills. UNESCO noted that the involvement of villagers during the restoration process and in the operations of the fort ensures direct benefit for the community.

It took nearly 10 years to finish the conservation work.