The Telangana government has called for private parties to step in to develop 11 historic forts across the state under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, seeking to transform the heritage sites into sustainable, experience-led tourism destinations while ensuring their conservation.Among the selected forts is Medak Fort in Medak district, which was built by a Kakatiya ruler and boasts three gateways, a water-supply system and a Qutb Shahi-era mosque. (Sourced)The directorate of tourism issued a notification on August 17, inviting reputed and experienced private investors and partners for the conceptualisation, development, operation and maintenance of the forts.“The initiative seeks to combine heritage conservation with tourism infrastructure, hospitality, eco-tourism, cultural experiences and community participation without compromising the historical character of the sites,” the directorate said in its tender document.The last date for submission of expression of interest (EOI) is August 27 and pre-qualification bids would be done on August 28. The selected private partners would be invited to make their respective presentations on September 1.The forts identified for development are Bhongir, Devarakonda, Rachakonda, Medak, Khammam, Kaulas, Zaffergadh, Elgandal, Ramagiri, Utnoor and Sarvai Papanna.Under the proposed framework, the department of heritage Telangana will provide necessary conservation approvals and technical guidance, while the directorate of tourism will facilitate tourism development and implementation of PPP projects.