Structures razed at heritage site

The State Archaeology and Museums department inspected the Hasmathpet megalithic burial site near old Bowenpally on Friday and removed some encroachments.

The protected site covers in an area of 28.27 acres of land and is spotted with cairn circles dating back to 1000 BC. Some of the burials were excavated by the department in 1934. It later erected a shed on one of the excavated burials for the benefit of the scholars and visitors.
When the department tried to construct a compound wall around the protected area in 2003, people staying near it filed a petition in the High Court. The High Court then passed orders to both the parties to maintain status quo.

Over the years, many encroachers made attempts to occupy the peripherals of the protected site by constructing sheds. But on receiving information, the department immediately removed the structures.

On Friday too, officials of the department removed some temporary structures with the assistance of the police. “There are more illegal structures to be removed,” said,” said Mr P. Chenna Reddy of the State Archaeology and Museums Department.

“Several boulders have also been deposited on the protected site. We will take steps to remove the illegal structures within a week with the assistance of revenue and police departments.”