What happened to Telangana’s Elagandal Fort ? Sound and light show falls silent
The Sound and Light Show in the historic Elagandal fort is no longer in operation and hasn't been for a while. Visitors to the fort are disappointed that the entertainment has not yet been reinstated by the tourism department. The Elagandal hill fort, constructed by Kakatiya emperors, served as a stronghold for the Musunuri and Recharla Padmanayakas. Additionally, it was important up until the Sixth Nizam Mir Mahbub ali Khan moved the district's administrative center to karimnagar in 1905. The light and sound display was introduced by the tourism department in january 2017 to educate the younger generation about the fort's past.
According to official sources, a projector, sound system, lighting, and other arrangements cost Rs 4.25 crore, including Rs 90 lakh from the central government. Additionally, a 40-minute documentary detailing the history of Elagandal was ready to be shown during the program. Three years of the event went ahead without a hitch, with the officials charging Rs. 50 for adults and Rs. 25 for kids.
However, a 2020 lightning strike resulted in some equipment being damaged. The epidemic and enforced lockdowns prevented repairs from being done. Although district tourist authorities allegedly brought the problem to the attention of higher officials, the repairs had not yet been done. Officials claim that even when the show was not running, they were still paying the minimum monthly electricity rates of between Rs. 3,500 and Rs. 3,600.
However, a 2020 lightning strike resulted in some equipment being damaged. The epidemic and enforced lockdowns prevented repairs from being done. Although district tourist authorities allegedly brought the problem to the attention of higher officials, the repairs had not yet been done. Officials claim that even when the show was not running, they were still paying the minimum monthly electricity rates of between Rs. 3,500 and Rs. 3,600.
Jamalpur Ganesh, a tourist who spoke to india Herald, urged the tourism department to revive the program since it would assist the current generation learn about the fort's past. Others at the time brought up the fact that visitors' transit needs were a problem. Despite being just 17 kilometers from the district headquarters, there is no suitable transit system at the fort. Either driving their own car or taking an auto-rickshaw is required to get to the fort. Previously, the show ran from 6:30 to 7:10 p.m. After the presentation, tourists wouldn't be able to rent cars.
Once the ongoing construction of the Karimnagar-Elagandal ancient road, which includes building a bridge across the Manair river, is finished, the fort is anticipated to have transportation amenities. Once the road is finished, Elagandal hamlet will serve as the hub for all bus services to sircilla and the Vemulawada temple town.
Venkateshwar Rao, the district tourism officer, said that the show's equipment was totally wrecked and that costly repairs were required. He said that they had asked TSRTC officials for permission to run a bus during the times of the concert. He asserted that once the Karimnagar-Elagandal route was finished, transport issues will be resolved.
Once the ongoing construction of the Karimnagar-Elagandal ancient road, which includes building a bridge across the Manair river, is finished, the fort is anticipated to have transportation amenities. Once the road is finished, Elagandal hamlet will serve as the hub for all bus services to sircilla and the Vemulawada temple town.
Venkateshwar Rao, the district tourism officer, said that the show's equipment was totally wrecked and that costly repairs were required. He said that they had asked TSRTC officials for permission to run a bus during the times of the concert. He asserted that once the Karimnagar-Elagandal route was finished, transport issues will be resolved.