The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : A case of official apathy

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Tuesday, Nov 04, 2008
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

A case of official apathy

S. Sandeep Kumar

No repairs undertaken on caved-in portion of old jail building

— PHOTO: NAGARA GOPAL

in ruins: A view of the rear portion of the old jail building in Secunderabad that had collapsed.

HYDERABAD: The dilapidated state of the Old Jail building at Secunderabad, a heritage structure of repute, reflects the casual approach of authorities in protecting Secunderabad’s legacy. It’s been nearly three months since the roof of the old jail building’s rear portion caved in, but no measures have been taken to resurrect it.

The rear portion roof collapsed on August 18, since then the businessmen who have leased the 50-odd shops have been left with sleepless nights. The building has godowns on the backside and shops on the front portion facing the bustling Subash Nagar near Monda Market.

“A municipal corporation team led by GHMC Additional Commissioner (Heritage) J. Kedareswari conducted an inspection on August 19 but there was no development since then,” says Old Jail Tenants Association General Secretary, Srinivas Malathker. The Association members inform that except for the two godowns that have been rented to private establishments by the GHMC, rest of the rear portion of the building was abandoned for the last five years because of its dilapidated state.

Despite repeated requests to GHMC, members of the Heritage Conservation Committee and other legislators, nothing positive has happened, they bemoan. “The GHMC as well as the Archaeological and Museums Department have been neglecting the maintenance of the structure for several years,” charged Association president Khaja Mohiuddin.

The building was given a heritage status during the Secunderabad Centenary celebrations couple of years ago but it was not a protected monument.

The Archaeological and Museums Department officials have put the ball in the court of the GHMC stating that its heritage wing was responsible for the repair and maintenance works.

Ms. Kedareswari, when contacted explained that thorough documentation should be taken up before taking up any restoration works. “Once the documentation work is completed, repairs would be taken up. We have already called consultancies to take up the documentation work,” she added.

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