Timely action by Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has saved 11 acres of prime land around Sangeet Mahal, a heritage site near here where the famous ‘Navaraspur Music Festival’ is held every year.

Located in a suburb about 6 km west of the city, Sangeet Mahal was built by the sixth ruler of Adil Shahi empire, Ibrahim Adil Shah II, during 16th century. An art and music lover, Ibrahim used to organise concerts at Sangeet Mahal, inviting renowned artists from across the world.

The place, also called Navaraspur had occupied a prominent position on the classical music and Islamic architectural map of the country during Shahi rulers.

The monument, situated on a quiet location, houses a palace for queens (Rani Mahal), a dining hall, kitchen and rest rooms for servants. But these structures have fallen into ruins now.

Taking advantage of lack of people’s movement in the area, some developers colluding with officials had developed Kharab (barren) land (CS Nos: 80/1B; 80A-2/1 and 80A-2/2) just adjacent to Sangeet Mahal into a residential layout and started selling plots.

They had also destroyed a protected structure in the vicinity for the layout.

Realising the gravity of the situation, the ASI swung into action and with the help of district administration and police successfully stopped construction activities in the area.

Now the district administration has directed the land records department and sub-registrar not to execute any sale-deeds connected with plots in the ‘illegal layout’ developed near the historic monument.

Speaking to Deccan Herald, ASI officials said they would not allow any new building to come up within 300 meters radius of the protected monument.

“As per the rules, no construction activities are allowed in the prohibited region (300 meter radius) of the centrally protected monuments. Violation of this rule amounts to crime, punishable under the IPC.”