A Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader has demanded the restoration of the Qila-e-Ark palace fort constructed by Mughal emperor Aurangzeb in the 17th Century which is in bad condition due to neglect.
In a memorandum submitted to the district collector's office recently, Maharashtra NCP vice president Ilyas Kirmani said the monument can become a major tourist attraction after its facelift.
The palace fort houses Shahi Masjid, Adil Darwaza, Zaibunnisa Mahal, Pamar Kothi, Janana Mahal, Diwan-e-Aam, Diwan-E-Khas, and many other buildings. The ruins of these buildings are still seen here, Kirmani stated.
He demanded the Qila-e-Ark be restored along with the works that are currently underway for an upcoming G20-related event in Aurangabad city.
A prominent historical city in Maharashtra, Aurangabad is a tourist hub, surrounded by many monuments, including the Ajanta Caves and Ellora Caves, which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, as well as Bibi Ka Maqbara and Panchakki.