Finally, the crumbling old block of the Hyderabad Collectorate in Nampally will give way to a new office complex. The 60-year-old structure, which was found precarious and unfit for occupation by the Roads and Buildings Department (R&B), has been marked for demolition.
There are nine departments functioning from the premises. While the office of the DPRO has already shifted to the Manoranjan complex near the Ajanta gate of Exhibition Grounds, the SBH branch is moving to new a premises in nearby Kattalmandi on Monday.
Other departments like Project Director, Women and Child Welfare, Adult Education and Youth Welfare Department, are still operating from the dilapidated premises.
“Search is on for suitable premises to shift these departments. As soon as they vacate, the old block will be pulled down,” an official said.
Soon after assuming office, Hyderabad Collector Mukesh Kumar Meena inspected the old block, and ordered the immediate shifting of the offices functioning here.
“The government has sanctioned a sum of Rs.19 crore for the construction of a new complex here. We are waiting for the agency to be finalised for taking up the project. It will be R&B or some other body,” Mr. Meena said.
Crammed premisesThe crammed premises of the Collectorate has always been cause for concern. Availability of limited parking space, and frequent dharnas organised here only make matters worse.
There have been vociferous demands during District Review Committee meetings to shift the Collectorate to bigger premises. While some city legislators wanted it to be shifted to the old building of the Gandhi Medical College at Basheerbagh, the MIM rooted for it to remain at the Old City.
But now, all proposals of shifting the Collectorate have been dropped.
“We want to make use of the existing premises and construct a four-storeyed building,” Mr. Meena said.
