Many historical structures yet to be notified

Seeking to provide impetus to the initiative on conservation of heritage structures in and around the city, the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) has come out with new concepts. As part of this, it has been proposed to earmark heritage zones and avenues in places to the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) that boast of historicity and architectural values too.

In addition to this the authority has also mooted another proposal to have property tax for the listed heritage structure, which has been ignored till now. Thus the money can be saved and ploughed back into the maintenance and upkeep of these structures. The idea had been discussed with the GHMC and is to be forwarded to the government for consideration.
But what is more shocking is the present status of the prominent historical sites of twin cities. According to a recent survey by the civil groups and archeaological experts, more than 50 historic buildings of the city are awaiting notifications from the heritage conservation committee, for more than four to five years now.

There are still many prominent historical sites, which are yet to be notified in the historical listings of Hyderabad's heritage. Many of these structures are lying in dilapidated condition and if any further and instant step is not taken the city may lose the heritage value of these structures.

Even restoration work of several listed heritage structures are yet to take off. Experts now fear that such negligence might further dampen Hyderabad's already deteriorating heritage value. Among the several listed heritage structures that are, for long, awaiting restoration and are under consideration for notification are the Nampally Sarai, the old Jail Khana in Monda Market, the Moazzam Jahi market, Chest Hospital, King Koti Palace and many more such structures in city.

As per the heritage rules, once a heritage structure or monument is notified or certified by the concerned authorities they are bound to protect it or ensure about its upkeep, but the irony here is neither the State Government nor the concerned department officials are solemn about the issue. Meanwhile, a recent presentation for the Heritage Conservation Committee brought out by the HMDA stresses the need to suggest and prescribe architectural guidelines for heritage areas on the basis of certain unique characteristics and with respect to urban design, heritage and environment.

—Anubha K. Singh