HYDERABAD: A local official of the Sindh culture department on Wednesday approached the district administration seeking immediate action against alleged violations of the Antiquities Act 1975 at the historic Pucca Qila.

In a letter to Assistant Commissioner (AC) City Noor Hussain, culture department official Sindhu Chandio drew attention to the illegal installation of a water pipeline and encroachments near the fort’s fortification wall by an individual identified as Irfan.

When contacted over the phone, AC City Noor Hussain confirmed that he had inspected the site and issued a formal notice to the individual concerned to explain his position before further administrative action is initiated.

Ms Chandio stated in her letter that Irfan had unlawfully occupied a substantial plot of government land adjacent to the fortification wall near Pucca Qila’s main entrance, establishing a commercial enterprise and constructing a water tank directly against the ancient structure.

She pointed out that occupying government land within 200 feet of a protected site directly violates Sections 19 and 22 of the Antiquities Act 1975, which strictly prohibit unlawful construction or alteration near heritage monuments.

She added that when the security incharge of the fort’s fortification wall attempted to remove the illegal structures, the individual issued threats of dire consequences.

Citing an official inspection report dated Aug 11 submitted by the security incharge, Ms Chandio revealed that the encroacher had dug up the ground underneath the fort’s main entrance and laid a water supply line along the inner wall to conceal the connection.

She urged the assistant commissioner to direct the SHO of the Fort police station, the Anti-Encroachment Authority, and the Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (HMC) to immediately clear the encroachments and remove the water line to prevent further damage to the protected cultural heritage site.

Published in Dawn, August 13th, 2026