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.”

Tankbund, a smelly ordeal

Once a pleasant stretch, be it to take a lazy stroll or go on a long drive, Necklace Road has now become a smelly ordeal for people in the city, even for those who just have to pass by that area. Infested with water-hyacinths and aquatic weeds, the lake doesn’t just emanate a terrible odour, but has also turned into a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

During this season, the lake is affected by the uncontrolled bloom of blue green algae. The obnoxious odour from dead algae floating on the lake’s surface, apart from the stench of rotting garbage thrown around it, has made life hell for residents in neighbouring areas and people going on that stretch. It has become a common sight to see people standing at bus stops on that road with their noses firmly covered.

“It’s terrible to walk along the Tank Bund road due to the foul smell emanating from the lake. Now-a-days, you don’t even see many people riding on the road, especially at night, due to the unbearable smell,” says Azeej Ahmed, a fitness trainer.

The lake may be evidently dirty and contaminated, but the authorities blame it solely on the algae. Chandra Mohan Reddy, OSD, Buddha Poornima Project, HMDA says, “The foul smell is due to the sudden bloom of blue green algae in the lake water, as a result of the sudden rise in temperature. We have appointed over 50 members to remove the algae. The work will be completed in 2 to 3 days. The workers have started the cleaning process that includes simple skimming up operation to remove dead algae.”

Even the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority officials are confident that the exercise can be completed in a day or two. “Once the sewerage treatment plants start working, this problem will be solved,” he adds.

When queried about what is being done about cleaning the lake, Chandra Mohan Reddy retorts with a generic reply. “It may take more than two years to complete the Hussain Sagar cleaning project. Till then, we are taking care of untreated sewage coming from nalas for better maintenance. Also, we are going to manually remove the hyacinth and other floating garbage from the lake to resolve the problem of the foul odour.”