Hyderabad: Tourism Minister Azmeera Chandulal on Wednesday said after the celebration of Independence Day last year at Golconda Fort, several steps were taken by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) for conservation of historical structures within the fort.

Replying to a question raised by BJP MLA NVSS Prabhakar, during the Question Hour in the Legislative Assembly on Wednesday, the Minister said the ASI had taken up works with an outlay of Rs 65.90 lakh. The State government had also taken up works to improve sound and light show at Golconda Fort at the cost of Rs 1.2 crore. As many as 13 works at the cost of Rs 1.20 crore were sanctioned in 14 slums near the Golconda Fort by the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), he informed. The Minister further added that show-cause notices were issued to 113 unauthorised constructions in the prohibited and regulated areas of Golconda Fort by the ASI.

In a reply to another question, the Minister said the State government would utilise the services of artistes to disseminate information of different policies and schemes to the public. Replying to another question during the Question Hour, Chandulal said a State-level body called Samskruthika Sarathi has been created and it has been accorded permission to appoint artistes not exceeding 550 for this purpose.

Source: THI