Wrong estimation by ASCDCL pushes Mehmood Darwaza to die slow death

Aurangabad, July 12:

The sentiments of heritage-lovers had been hurt due to the wrong estimation of the dilapidated heritage gate Mehmood Darwaza, near Panchakki, by the Aurangabad Smart City Development Corporation Limited (ASCDCL). Meanwhile, the experts also expressed concern over the preparation of low estimate. The ASCDCL prepared an estimate of Rs 56 lakh, although it could have Rs 1 crore, as per the condition.

It may be noted that the ASCDCL floated tenders to conserve nine heritage gates in the city through the Smart City fund. The tenders were floated in 2019. However, the ASCDCL received responses to eight gates, except Mehmood Gate. The conservation works are nearing completion. As there was no scope for the contractor, there was no response to the 'one' tender floated by ASCDCL. It is learnt that some contractors had suggested ASCDCL increase the estimated cost of the Mehmood Gate, but the plea was not considered. Hence the conservation of this gate could not be started in the last one and a half years. It may be noted that many vehicles pass through the gate regularly. Some of them had dashed the heritage structure. It may be noted that the dilapidated heritage structure is craving attention and needs its repair and maintenance on priority.

The task of conserving the gate needs expertise. The arch of the gate has been damaged, but can be repaired. There is an inter-locking system to adjoin two stone slabs, while another stone slab provides support to them from the rear side. This technique keeps the stones in the arch intact. The gate can be protected through a scientific technique, said an architect Muhammed Yunus.

According to experts, the arch is the beauty of the heritage gate. The protection of the gate is very challenging as the arch is on verge of collapse. A sum of more than Rs 1 crore could be needed for the task. Moreover, it will have to be performed under the guidance of archaeological experts only. The stone slabs, matching the 400-year-old structure, will have to be replaced and the task will have to be completed.

Name of Gate Estimated Cost

Barapulla Gate Rs 73.50 lakh

Mehmood Darwaza Rs 56.31 lakh

Katkat Gate Rs 49.22 lakh

Kala Darwaza Rs 35.54 lakh

Roshan Gate Rs 31.41 lakh

Paithan Gate Rs 24.85 lakh

Naubat Darwaza Rs 17.19 lakh

Jaffar Gate Rs 17 lakh and

Khizri Darwaza Rs 15.48 lakh