(rephrasing para one, correcting word in para 3 and 8)

Aurangabad, Maharashtra, Aug 10 (UNI) Historians and tourism experts have expressed concern over the condition of the 16th century heritage gates in the historic city and have urged the authorities to undertake immediate conservation of them to preserve valuable monuments of a bygone era.

The call came after the incessant rains yesterday forced the authorities here to bring down the badly damaged 'Khooni Darwaza', one of 13 surviving gates of the total 52 in the city, a cultural heritage of the 16th century.

Till 2003, 39 gates were ruined, and after the demolition of 'Khooni Gate' only 12 gates remained in the city.

The heritage gates were erected during Aurangzeb's time in 1626, when he was appointed 'subedar' of the Deccan. The gates were fine examples of architecture of that period.

Speaking to UNI, noted historian Dr R S Morwanchikar held the various State agencies responsible for the poor maintenance of historic gates and said they (authorities) need to take a serious view to preserve the ''live signs'' of the bygone era, as they (heritage) are the identity of the historical city of Aurangabad.

''The city, as well as the State today is certainly not in the financial crisis to not undertake conservation work, and the issue only needs a serious view,'' Dr Morwanchikar said.

Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University's (BAMU) tourism department Director Dr Dulari Qureshi-Gupte here said she had alerted the authorities few months back to undertake conservation of the gates. However, the process has been so far delayed, she added.

Dr Qureshi-Gupte urged the authorities to wake up now after the demolition of 'Khooni Darwaza', and to initiate steps towards the conservation work of the remaining 12 gates.

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