Hyderabad, June 24 -- The historic fortification wall of Hyderabad, which guarded the city for centuries during the Asaf Jahi rule, has cracked and is on the verge of collapse.

The remains of the wall at Nashemannagar in Sultan Shahi of the Old City have developed cracks. Stones at several points have crumbled, while shrubs protrude from other sections.

Stones falling from wall

"Big stones keep falling from the historic wall in Hyderabad. It withstood many rains and storms, but due to lack of maintenance, it may collapse completely," said Mohd Riyaz, a resident of Nashemannagar.

The impressive centuries-old wall - 18 feet high and 8 feet wide - originally stretched six miles around Hyderabad. Built as a defensive barrier, it protected...