Following the signature of the MoU in January 2013, the Wakf Tribunal – on the basis of a petition by vested interests – did not allow conservation works to commence until November 2013. Immediately upon commencing conservation works an international peer review was held on 12th and 13th February 2014 to discuss the conservation plan, conservation strategy on individual monuments.

Outcome

1. Mr Gamini Wijesuriya, Project Manager (Sites Unit), ICCROM, Rome led the peer review team which also included Ms Tara Sharma and Ms Radhika Dhumal.
2. Dr MH Talebian from Iran could not join due to non availability of visa in time and Mr Vikas Dilawari could not join due to a last minute cancellation of his flight.
3. The Peer review was attended by officers of the Department of Archaeology as well as the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust.
4. The final peer review report is appended to this annual report

Impact

The exercise led to significant discussion over a three day period and will be followed up another similar effort in 2015.

Landscape restoration of the core monument area will be a critical component of the proposed project, the landscape master plan of the Qutb Shahi Heritage Park prepared on the basis of topographical surveys, archival research and circulation patterns was peer reviewed on 27th and 28th January 2014.

Outcome

• The landscape Peer review was led by Prof. James Wescoat Jr and Ms. Omana Eappen. Prof. M Shaheer, Landscape Architect, led the discussions.
• The archival photographs, poetic references, site inspections resulted in defining next steps towards finalising landscape restoration proposals for specific areas
• The need for archaeological excavations to determine landscape elements presently buried was also defined.

Impact

• Additional research requirements and definite locations for archaeological excavations were identified on the basis of which detailed landscape designs will be prepared.

To enhance visitor experience and share with visitors the intention of the conservation and landscape restoration, an existing building at the entrance zone was converted to serve as a site exhibit as well as project office.

Outcome

• Significant renovations were required to be undertaken to convert a building built to serve as a restaurant to serve as a site exhibit to inform visitors.
• A site exhibit includes bilingual panels depicting the chronology of the development of the complex, the settings of the site and the restoration and landscape works planned to be carried out in the complex.
• In addition, Information panels have been put up besides the major monuments or where conservation works have commenced. These contain basic information conveyed through archival images and condition assessment documentation of the monuments.
• Comparative archival and present images of have been put up at strategic locations across the Qutb Shahi Heritage Park.

Impact

• Several visitors now spend significant time at the site exhibit and can be noticed reading signage boards installed across the site. The exhibit and signage panels are continuously updated to provide ‘up-to-date’ project related information.