Ananth Kumar deplores poor upkeep of Golgumbaz

By Our Staff Correspondent

BIJAPUR, JUNE 2. The Union Minister of State for Tourism and Culture, Mr. Ananth Kumar, on Friday expressed unhappiness at the poor maintenance of Golgumbaz, which is known for its multiple sound reflection dome.

Mr. Kumar, who visited the 198-foot tall structure, was aghast to see the manner in which the protected monument had been treated by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

The ASI officials were caught unawares when he went to the 100- foot tall whispering gallery. When Mr. Kumar wanted to go to the whispering gallery, they searched for the door key. Later, the Minister went to the gallery climbing up 116 steps. However, senior officials of the ASI, including Mr. K.V.Rao, Deputy Superintending Archaeologist, Karnataka Zone, tried their best to keep pace with the Minister. Many gave up after reaching the third floor.

Walking around the whispering gallery, Mr. Ananth Kumar noticed lewd graffiti on the wall and asked the officials why it was not removed. He was not satisfied when the officials cited lack of staff as the reason for it.

The occasion had many lighter moments to it. The Union Minister clapped to enjoy the echo. Mr. K.V.Rao went to the opposite side and in a whisper, welcomed Mr. Kumar without forgetting to use the occasion to request for more staff.

Thanking the official, Mr. Ananth Kumar whispered to the official that he would provide more staff and funds to the department.

On the reports of diminishing echo effect in the Golgumbaz, Mr. Kumar asked the officials to explore the possibility of giving chemical treatment to the dome to make the inner surface smooth. He inspected the cellar of the Golgumbaz where the bodies of Sultan Mohamad Adil Shah and five others of his family were said to be buried.

Subsequently, he instructed the authorities to clean the floor. He expressed displeasure over the condition of three ponds around the Golgumbaz and asked the officials to revive the fountains.

The Union Minister told presspersons later that he would send an expert team to Bijapur within a month to recommend steps to restore the glory of Golgumbaz and other national monuments in the city. The committee would be given a month's time to submit its report.

He said 25 of the 85 centrally-protected monuments in Bijapur had been encroached upon and he would seek the State Government's assistance to protect them.

To a question, he said the broad gauge railway line was essential to bring Bijapur under tourist circuit. Mr. Basavanagouda Yatnal, MP, Mr. Rakesh Singh, Deputy Commissioner, and Mr. B.Dayananda, Superintendent of Police, were present.

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