MCH, HUDA differ on old structure's demolition

By Our Staff Reporter

HYDERABAD, AUG. 2. Is the old structure abutting the Khilwat Palace which is partly pulled down by the MCH a heritage building? There are divergent views on it with the HUDA saying it is a part of the palace while the MCH maintaining that it is not.

Members of the City-level Coordination Committee who visited the spot on Thursday could not come to any conclusion either. The MCH Commissioner, Dr. P.K. Mohanty, asked the HUDA to give its opinion and decided to stop further demolition. The old structure which is attached to the outer wall of the Khilwat Palace is dismantled by the MCH as a part of its road-widening programme.

Dr. Mohanty felt demolition of the structure was necessary for the protection of the palace itself. When several persons encroached on the palace land and raised buildings no one protested. But now when the corporation was trying to beautify the road objections were being raised. "It is like being penny wise and pound foolish", Dr. Mohanty remarked.

The committee members inspected road-widening works on the ring road where 371 of the 720 properties had been demolished. Referring to the religious structures, Dr. Mohanty said the MCH would not touch them unless the community people themselves came forward to offer the land.

He felt it was unfortunate that the Old City should lag behind in development. When Cyberabad could have 200 feet road why could not the Old City have 60 ft road, he asked.

CM `upset'

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister, Mr. N. Chandrababu Naidu, expressing `displeasure' over the demolition of the rear portion of Chowmahalla Palace as a part of road-widening, asked the MCH authorities to immediately initiate action against those responsible for the demolition.

The palace was of great heritage value and a protected monument as notified by the HUDA, Mr. Naidu pointed out and advised the MCH to be cautious during the demolition drive, according to a press release from the Chief Minister's Office.

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Section  : Southern States
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