Hyderabad, Jul 11: Congress Lok Sabha MP Komatireddy Venkat Reddy has urged Union Minister for Tourism G Kishan Reddy to allot funds for the development of Bhongir Fort, including laying of Cable Car (Ropeway).

In a letter addressed to Mr. Reddy, a copy of which was released to media here today, he said

Please accept my hearty congratulations for being appointed as first Cabinet Minister from Telangana.

I would like to draw your kind attention towards a historic place in my Parliamentary Constituency, as a senior leader from Telangana, would very much aware, Bhongir Fort. Due to the lackadaisical approach of the present TRS government, there is no development of the Fort.

Many of India’s past heritage structures have lost their charm with changes in time but to this day they still represent magnificent pieces of architecture.

The Bhongir fort in the Nalgonda district of Telangana is one such structure. It is a massive impregnable structure erected by Chalukya ruler, Tribhuvanamalla Vikramaditya VI, and the fort is named after him.

Bhongir fort’s history is traced back to the 10th century. Initially, it was called Tribhuvanagiri, renamed later as Bhuvanagiri, and eventually, it became Bhongir Fort. The town of Bhuvanagiri/Bhongir derives its name from this splendid fort, which stands on a monolithic rock, he said.

It is spread across an impressive area of 50 acres at a height of around 500 feet over the top of an enormous rock formation. It resembles an unusual egg-shaped structure along with two main entry points in turn covered with huge rocks. The fort that is encircled in a moat has an underground chamber that is believed to be connected to Golconda fort located 50 km away, Mr. Reddy said.

He said the fort also witnessed a glorious period under queen Rudramadevi and her grandson Prataparudra’s rule.

Way back, the state government had proposed to lay a Cable Car (Ropeway) to the Fort for the convenience of the tourists to visit. However, the Tender was called off. Again in the year 2016, the Government had recalled the tender under 2′ call and the same was put on the back burner for the reasons best known to the authorities concerned.

Since then whenever there is an election, the Government drags the issue of development of the Fort but did nothing to date.

Keeping in view of the importance and heritage values of the Fort, I would humbly request you to kindly allot funds for the development of Bhongir Fort, including laying of Cable Car (Ropeway), Mr. Reddy said in his letter. (UNI)