The 19th century Residency building situated in the Koti Women’s College premises saw a glimmer of hope few months ago that it may be restored with the help of the World Monument Fund (WMF). However, a minor hiccup has delayed the commencement of works.
Tenders called for the restoration works by the college authorities have not drawn people who officials think can take up the works and execute them to perfection. As of now, there is Rs.2 crore ready to be utilised, of which half has been given by the WMF, while the rest was given by the Telangana State Archaeology Department.
“We need people with expertise to complete the restoration work. Two people applied when we called for tenders but they did not match up to our expectations,” said principal of Koti Women’s College, B.T. Sita. She mentioned that a total of Rs.4 crore as matching fund (equal amount to be raised by State government authorities) has been promised by the WMF for works on the Residency building.
When asked if she knew about the one million pound donation given to the WMF to complete the restoration by an anonymous donor, Ms. Sita said that she was aware of it. “However, I don’t know whether the Rs.4 crore we will get from the WMF is part of that,” she stated, and added that a couple from abroad had also come forward to repair the Model Durbar hall in the Residency building.
“They said that they will restore that part of the old building. They have asked a WMF authorised architect to look into it,” Ms. Sita said. Prior to this, an effort to restore the building was made some years ago, but the plan did not materialise.
“Back then, the structure was under the university. However, it was declared a heritage structure and then came under the State Archaeological Department, which made the then government responsible. The construction management plan was ready, but funds could not be raised,” said Sajjad Shahid, a former member of the Heritage Committee.
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