Souvenir shop owners in Fatehpur Sikri complain of neglect by state authorities

Fatehpur Sikri, Feb 14 (ANI): With assembly polls underway in Uttar Pradesh, souvenir shop owners in Fatehpur Sikri have expressed dismay against state authorities, saying the tourism industry has been neglected.

Brijlal Yadav, owner of a souvenir shop, said little has been done to assist those working in the lucrative sector.

"When politicians come to us for votes we will clearly tell them that nothing has been done for us. As we are associated with the tourism industry, we want that we should be given more facilities. If tourists get good facilities while staying here, we will also do good business," said Yadav.

Weavers like Sukhdev Kumar added to these sentiments saying that although much has been promised, the proof is yet to be seen.

"Every year, important officials visit us. They even take photocopies of our ration cards and identification cards with our signatures, promising us many things but till now they have not done anything for us neither have we got any facilities," said Kumar.

Fatehpur Sikri was built by Emperor Akbar and is considered to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world, it was widely thought this goal was achieved, until people realised the city lacked access to water.

It was abandoned as the capital of the Mughal Empire after just ten years and is today a perfectly preserved 16th-century town. (ANI)