Telangana invites private players to redevelop 11 historic forts

HYDERABAD: The state administration has proposed redeveloping 11 historic forts under the PPP model, with private players invited to conceptualise, develop, operate and maintain the heritage sites while ensuring community participation and revenue sharing.

Key points

• The state administration has proposed spending `82 lakh on the scientific conservation of the 2, 500-year-old Egyptian mummy housed at the Dr YSR State Heritage Museum.
• The Tourism department has invited private sector participation through an Expression of Interest (EoI) for the selected forts.
• Authorities stated German experts had submitted a report on the mummy and proposals had been prepared for its conservation at an estimated cost of `82 lakh.
• Director of Archaeology Dr Arjun Rao was asked to submit the estimates within a week.
• The development plan envisages ecotourism, cultural and hospitality components while retaining the historical and architectural character of the forts.

Meanwhile, the Tourism department has invited private sector participation through an Expression of Interest (EoI) for the selected forts. The successful partner will undertake their end-to-end development and management, with a focus on heritage-compatible, experience-led tourism and adaptive reuse of the sites.

Meanwhile, the proposed forts are Bhongir, Devarakonda, Rachakonda, Medak, Khammam, Kaulas in Jukkal mandal, Zaffargadh in Warangal, Elgandal on the Karimnagar-Sircilla corridor, Ramagiri, Utnoor in Adilabad district and Sarvayi Papanna Fort at Khila Shapur village near Raghunathpally.

Meanwhile, the development plan envisages ecotourism, cultural and hospitality components while retaining the historical and architectural character of the forts. Authorities stated the projects would additionally create local employment and enterprises and incorporate regional arts, crafts and cultural practices into the visitor experience.

Under the proposed benefit-sharing mechanism, a pre-defined share of revenue will be paid to the state and reinvested in the conservation, restoration and long-term preservation of the heritage assets.

After which the facilities will be transferred back to the administration, the state intends to select reputed and experienced private investors or partners to develop and manage the assets for a defined period.

In practice, the EoI seeks innovative and implementable concepts for conservation, adaptive reuse and sustainable tourism development. After which a Request for Proposal (RFP) will be issued with eligibility criteria, terms and conditions and other details, applicants will be shortlisted based on the responses. Rs 82 lakh scientific conservation planned for 2, 500-year-old Egyptian mummy.

Notably, the state administration has proposed spending `82 lakh on the scientific conservation of the 2, 500-year-old Egyptian mummy housed at the Dr YSR State Heritage Museum. Tourism Minister Jupally Krishna Rao visited the museum at Public Gardens on Wednesday and inspected its bronze, Buddhist, sculpture, cannons and painting galleries.

He reviewed the condition of the exhibits and sought details from authorities concerning the museum's artefacts and infrastructure. The minister directed authorities to take all necessary measures for the safe and scientific conservation of the Egyptian mummy.

Authorities stated German experts had submitted a report on the mummy and proposals had been prepared for its conservation at an estimated cost of `82 lakh. Krishna Rao remarked the museum's collection of archaeological, historical and cultural artefacts should be promoted more widely and directed office-holders to prepare special intends to attract domestic and international tourists. He additionally directed the Archaeology department to prepare comprehensive estimates for reconstruction and restoration of the museum, building conservation and painting works.

Director of Archaeology Dr Arjun Rao was asked to submit the estimates within a week. The minister remarked funds required for the restoration would be issued expeditiously and directed authorities to ensure that the works were taken up without delay.

Taken together, the developments around telangana invites private players to redevelop 11 historic forts point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.