Hyderabad, July 20 -- A part of the historic Golconda fort's moat has ben damaged after the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) deployed earth movers to clear silt and debris from a water channel of the ancient fortress. The transgression took place on the northern side of the fort, where GHMC officials are working to drain water from the Shah Hatim talab (lake) into the Naya Qila area.

As it stands, the Golconda fort is a protected monument, and falls under the ambit of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which is its custodian. As per ASI rules, no construction activity is permitted in the 100-metre radius from the fort. All the old walls of the Golconda area also are ASI properties, and are of historical value. Changi...