Breach detected in protective wall of Himayat Bagh, archaeology dept urged to carry out repairs

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: A major breach has been detected in the protection wall of Himayat Bagh, allowing unuthorised entry of cattle grazers and others into the Mughal-era garden. The historical garden is under the possession of the Parbhani-based Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Agriculture University, authorities of which have shot a letter to the state archaeology department to undertake necessary repairs.
Sanjay Patil, who heads the fruit research station of the university at Himayat Bagh, said the varsity could not undertake the repairs on its own because of legal issues. "A major breach was noticed in the fortification (protective) wall of Himayat Bagh facing the Kil-e-ark area. It seems the breach was created by intruders to gain entery into the Mughal-era garden in an unauthorised manner. In the past, we attempted certain repair works involving some structures of Himayat Bagh, but the archaeology department objected to our actions," Patil said.
A field visit to the site revealed several liquor bottles thrown around the broken fortification wall. Empty bottles of cough syrup were found too lying in the area. Besides, cattle grazers were seen entering the garden through the broken wall. "We have multiple experiments going on at Himayat Bagh as it is the fruit research station of the state agricultural university. The cattle often damage crops and orchards as we cannot offer supervision round-the-clock," Patil said.
Himayat Bagh authorities recently took into custody a large herd of buffaloes illegally grazing inside and imposed a fine of Rs 15,000 on the owner. Waseel Ahmed, a heritage lover, said the fortification wall of Himayat Bagh has witnessed irrevocable damage in many places. "The archaeology department must take prompt action and repair the breach. Himayat Bagh is a city heritage and must be protected," he said.
When contacted, assistant director with the state archaeology department Jaya Gholave told TOI the local heritage committee could arrange the funds for repairs of Himayat Bagh's fortification wall. "Himayat Bagh is not protected by the state. It is listed as the local heritage site. We will request the local heritage panel to do the needful," she said.