Gujarat High Court Pulls Up Authorities Over Foul Smell at Sarkhej Roza

Ahmedabad | Gujarat — Once hailed as the “Acropolis of Ahmedabad,” the 600-year-old Sarkhej Roza, a Monument of National Importance, is today battling an ignominious fate. Visitors, commuters, and residents alike complain of a suffocating foul smell that lingers around the heritage complex, making it nearly impossible to stand near the premises for more than a few minutes.

Frustrated by years of neglect, the Sarkhej Roza Committee moved the Gujarat High Court, demanding urgent action. Taking note, the court has now sought a reply from the Archaeological Department, with the next hearing scheduled for September 30.

“This is not just a monument, it is our heritage, our identity,” said a committee member. “Foreign tourists and dignitaries, including the President of India, have visited this site. And yet, authorities have left it to decay under filth and stench.”

Sewage Lines Polluting Heritage Lake

At the heart of the crisis lies the Makarba Lake (Shingola Talav) within the Roza complex. According to the petition, residents in nearby areas have illegally connected sewage and drainage pipelines into the lake, turning it into a cesspool.

“The lake that once symbolized the engineering brilliance of medieval Gujarat has been reduced to a dumping ground,” said a local resident. “We can’t even walk past the area without covering our noses.”

The petitioners have demanded that the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) conduct an on-site inspection and take immediate corrective measures.

AMC Washes Its Hands Off

However, the AMC has opposed the petition, distancing itself from responsibility. In its reply, the civic body argued that Sarkhej Roza falls under the jurisdiction of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

“Since the monument is protected by the ASI, it is their duty to maintain it,” an AMC official stated. “Moreover, the sewage lines in question were connected with the consent of the Sarkhej Roza Committee itself. As the committee is a Waqf trust, this matter should be raised before the Waqf Tribunal, not the High Court.”

Heritage Experts Call It a Shame

Heritage activists have condemned the finger-pointing between agencies. “Sarkhej Roza is one of Gujarat’s most important Islamic architectural complexes, blending Persian and Hindu design. Neglecting it sends a terrible message about our respect for history,” said Arvind Joshi, a city-based conservationist.

Tour guides also fear the monument’s deteriorating condition is scaring away tourists. “Visitors come expecting grandeur and history, but instead they are greeted by foul smell and filth. It’s embarrassing for Ahmedabad, which prides itself on being a UNESCO World Heritage City,” said a local guide.

High Court Intervention

The Gujarat High Court’s intervention is being seen as a last hope for reviving the monument’s dignity. Legal experts say the court could direct both the AMC and the Archaeological Department to coordinate on urgent clean-up and restoration.

“This case is about accountability,” said a lawyer familiar with the matter. “A monument of such stature cannot be left to rot while authorities pass the buck.”