Hyderabad: While the govt highlighted in the state budget the ongoing conservation and development works around Charminar and Laad Bazaar in Old City, several historic structures continue to languish in neglect.Heritage activists point to the worsening condition of several structures. One of them in visible disrepair is the Alawa Sartouq at Darul Shifa, dating back to 1596 CE, which was once a renowned hospital 400 years ago. Then there is the Jillu Khana arch near Laad Bazaar — used during the Asaf Jahi era to welcome the Nizams — that has lost its plaster, exposing its brick framework.“At Ananas Phatak (or the pineapple gate) opposite Khilwat Palace, only the gateway survives, with its distinctive pineapple finials now severely damaged,” said Mubashir Khan, a historian from the city. “The Kaman of Shaikh Faiz in Dabeerpura, once associated with the Bibi ka Alam procession, has lost much of its stucco work and decorative elements.” Khan said the tomb complex of Khairat Khan in Sultan Shahi and the twin tombs of Mir Qutubuddin Niamatullahi in Moghalpura are in advanced stages of decay, with structural damage and encroachments posing serious risks.“Many of these structures are on the verge of collapse, especially with the monsoon approaching. Temporary patchwork will not save them,” said Anuradha Reddy from INTACH Hyderabad. Residents echoed similar concerns. “We see pieces falling off every year. Authorities only act after damage happens. These monuments are part of our identity. If they disappear, a part of our history goes with them,” said Mohammad A, a shopkeeper from Laad Bazar.Experts stress the need for immediate, scientific restoration measures to preserve the Old City’s rich heritage before it is lost forever. While officials from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) said no major conservation projects have been taken up recently, the State Archaeology Department has carried out only minor repairs.“In recent times, we have not carried out any major works nor do we have any collaboration with the state archaeology department. Whenever there is an issue with a monument under our department, we fix it, but from the govt’s end we have not received any such instructions so far,” said an official from ASI.
