City’s historic sites lack proper security

Hyderabad’s historic sites lie seeped in neglect, thanks to the negligence of the state Archeology and Museums department. Both the Qutub Shahi tombs and State Museum have no proper security system in place yet even though thousands of tourists visit these places every year .With just seven security personnel to guard the entire museum, there’s no one to keep an eye on the various galleries housing invaluable antiques.

“I visit the state museum with my students and it’s sad to see the rare antiques displayed in the state museum lying grossly undervalued. Just seven guards are not enough to look after such an important site. Going by the current trend of terror attacks, we cannot afford to be so unprepared,” says S. Sangeeta, a lecturer in CVR College of Engineering.

What’s more, the museum has no security alarm, automatic smoke detectors or even fire alarm systems. This in spite of last year’s fire mishap. Only one gallery is monitored by a surveillance camera. And shockingly, the department hardly seems bothered.The situation at the famous Qutub Shahi Tombs is even more pathetic. Lack of sufficient security guards at the tombs poses a great threat for unsuspecting tourists.The entrance, which is guarded by a few security personnel, has no metal detector. The guards don’t even possess the basic surveillance equipment.E. Sanjay, a student of Amity Business School, who visited the tombs with his friends recently, says he was amused at the state of affairs at the heritage site.

“There was only one watchman at the entrance. All you need to do is to give him Rs 10 or Rs 15 and he will allow cars and bikes to go in, right up to the tombs, without any checking,” he says.“No wonder the tombs have been reduced to a seedy place where it’s common to spot couples necking or kids playing cricket,” adds Manasa R., an engineering graduate from Vasavi.The newly opened AP Archeological museum too lacks security systems. There is only one guard without any security or surveillance equipment.The department’s apathy towards the protection and upkeep of Indian treasures is unnerving. Poor security arrangements in the museums reflect the steep neglect of these charms of Indian heritage.

Archaeology Department director, P. Chenna Reddy admits, “Because of lack of funds we were unable to install modern security systems or appoint security guards. We have sent a letter to the ministry concerned requesting for allocating funds to appoint guards as their are many vacancies. We need to upgrade the security system too. installation of surveillance cameras and metal detectors will commence in future.”