Unwanted Residents At Golconda Fort: Bedazzle The Bats

Hyderabad: Visitors to the Golconda Fort have been complaining of stench especially inside the Rani Mahal complex. Bats have been roosting inside the chambers for years and the Archaeological Survey of India's (ASI) attempts to get rid of the nocturnal creatures failed time and again. This time around, the ASI is planning a new method to combat the menace-by illuminating the place.

Milan Kumar Chauley, Superintending Archaeologist, ASI Hyderabad Circle said, "Wiring work has started and flooring work too would begin soon. Work has been tendered." The reason for ASI to take up illumination is that darkness is the bats principal protection and the arches provide the perfect place for roosting. Mrinalini Banerjee, a tourist from Kolkata, said, "The Golconda Fort is fascinating and the view from top is breathtaking but the authorities need to do something about the bats."

There is an opinion that bats are good for the environment, they eat up insects and maintain ecological balance, moreover, they sleep for most part of the day and do not cause inconvenience to tourists. Alok Mitra, a tourist on Tuesday said, "I visit a lot of monuments in the country and there is bat menace. They may be harmless but the stench is unbearable. The ASI also took up cleaning and protection of Khirki Masjid in the capital after bats harboured large colonies." Cleaning the floor of droppings in itself a major work, agree officials.