The Hindu : Secretariat modernisation gathers momentum

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, May 04, 2003

Southern States

Southern States - Andhra Pradesh-Hyderabad

Secretariat modernisation gathers momentum

By Our Special Correspondent

Hyderabad May 3. Demolition of the Nizam-time "D'' block in the Secretariat adjacent to the Chief Minister's office got under way today, now that the brand new four-floor building constructed in its place is ready for occupation.

Dozens of labourers appeared on the scene with sledge-hammers in hands and launched the long-awaited work, pulling down the edifice.

The men banged different portions while clouds of dust climbed into the sky from the debris blurring the view. The old furniture and electrical fittings have been saved as they were removed last week itself when the staff were also shifted.

Among the affected offices is the Publicity Cell which looks after the media needs of the Chief Minister, Ministers and officials. It is being relocated in a hall of the recently constructed "H'' block. "E'' block is also marked for demolition but only a half is being touched now due to alternative accommodation problem. The Transport Minister, M. Damodar Reddy, has already been shifted to "B'' block.

The space to be gained out of the demolitions will be left vacant with the extension of the approach road coming from the main gate. The dismantling work is expected to be completed by May 15 clearing the decks for inauguration of the "D'' block a few days later.

The new four-floor block, costing nearly Rs. 22 crores, built by Larsen and Toubro, will be a state-of-the-art office accommodation.

With 2.5-lakh sft of office space, it will have several ultra-modern features, according to K. U. Warrier, regional manager of the company.

Work stations with computers, modular furniture and glass partitions providing the much needed administrative transparency, and even sliding or turn-style doors which open only when the visitor presents the pass issued by the main-gate.

The other highlights will be centralised A/C, a massive conference hall for the Chief Minister's media interactions, cafeteria, and a lunch room. The initial plan is to locate 14 departments in the four floors, including Energy, Finance, IT, Transport and Roads & Buildings.

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