Telangana HC issues notices to Archaeology and Museums Department, Aga Khan Trust for Culture

As per a PIL, the Aga Khan Trust for Culture, which has a contract to conserve the Qutub Shahi Tombs, failed to do so despite allocating Rs 100 crore

Hyderabad: A two-judge bench of Telangana High Court comprising Acting Chief Justice Sujoy Paul and Justice Renuka Yara on Monday issued notices to State, Archaeology and Museums Department, Aga Khan Trust for Culture and others in a public interest litigation case pertaining to conservation of Qutub Shahi Tombs.

The bench took up a public interest litigation case based on a letter addressed to the court. The letter states that Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC) which has a contract to conserve the Qutub Shahi Tombs, a UNESCO-recognised heritage site in Hyderabad, has failed to do so despite allocating Rs 100 crore.

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The letter further states that the trust’s incompetence has resulted in irreversible damage to the structures, causing loss of original layers and surfaces, water seepage and damage, with poor quality restoration work and inability to protect the site from vandalism.

The letter also contended that Qutub Shahi Tombs, including the tomb of Md Quli Qutub Shah, have been severely damaged as the stones are exposed and the layers have been removed, leading to significant deterioration of the site’s condition. The letter sought directions to ensure site protection and also to take action against AKTC by immediately terminating its contract and to initiate a thorough investigation into the mismanagement of funds and resources and to impose penalties and sanctions on AKTC for their negligence.

Observing the same, the bench adjourned the matter to April 1, 2025.