Restoration of 700-year-old Utnoor fort nears completion

The restoration of the 700-year-old Utnoor fort in Adilabad district is nearing completion under a Rs 3.90 crore project undertaken jointly by the Telangana Heritage department and ITDA-Utnoor, with authorities planning to promote the site as a major tribal heritage tourist attraction

Adilabad: The much-awaited restoration of the 700-year-old Utnoor fort is nearing completion, delighting many.

The fort was one of the structures built by tribal kings in the present Utnoor mandal centre around 1300 AD. It symbolises the glory of Adivasi rulers who ruled the region till the beginning of British rule in the 1800s. Despite its rich heritage, the fort had lost its sheen over a period of time and remained in a dilapidated condition, with shrubs covering its premises.

---

However, the Telangana Heritage department and Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA)-Utnoor jointly took up the restoration and development of the long-forgotten fort at an estimated cost of Rs 3.90 crore. While the Heritage department is restoring the fort at a cost of Rs 2.60 crore, the development works are being carried out by the ITDA at a cost of Rs 1.30 crore.

As part of the project, bastions located in different directions of the fort, along with stone and brick masonry, are being restored, while walls are being fortified. A stepped well is also being revived. Similarly, a museum, an open-air theatre, landscaping of bunds, parking facilities, a bell-mouth gate, pedestrian track, fountain, solar lighting and toilets are being created as part of the revival of the fort.

Collector Rajarshi Shah told ‘Telangana Today’ that restoration of the ancient fort and creation of basic amenities at the site would be completed within a month. He stated that cultural programmes by tribal artistes would be organised at the historic fort once the works were completed. He added that efforts were being made to conserve the heritage of aboriginal tribals and convert the fort into a major tourist attraction in the district.

Tribal organisations and locals expressed happiness over the restoration of the fort. They said the public and future generations would be able to learn about the rich glory of tribal kings and their heritage by visiting the fort. They thanked the district authorities for showing special interest in preserving the historic structure and reviving it by allocating funds.

The majestic Utnoor fort is located around 55 kilometres from Adilabad town and 310 km away from Hyderabad.