Aurangabad, Sep 15 : Aurangabad, popularly known as the ''City of Gates'' for having as many as 52 gates, is suffering due to government apathy as most of the gates are in a dilapidated state.

Out of 52 only 4 main and 9 subordinate gates have survived. The most famous, oldest and biggest of them being the Bhadkal Gate near the Naukhanda Palace of Nizams.

“Aurangabad city is also known as the city of gates as there are 52 gates in the city and most of them have fallen due to government''s negligence while some are about to fall. So the city which earlier used to be known as the city of gates is slowly loosing its sheen," said M. A. Hai, historian.

Meanwhile, Municipal Commissioner of Aurangabad, Purshottam Bhaskar, quashed the claims and said that 12 gates have been restored to a large extent.

“From archaeological point of view Aurangabad city is very important city, there are around 52 gates around the city and some are such which need immediate attention and out of them 12 gates have been restored to a large extent,” said Bhaskar.

The presence of The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Heritage Sites of Ajanta and Ellora nearby ensures that Aurangabad continues to be rather high up in the list of the convention destinations of the country. (ANI)