HYDERABAD: Special funds have been allocated by GHMC to speed up restoration works that have been delayed for decades now. They are not just looking at the pedestrian project around Charminar but have also taken up conservation and beautification works of other special attractions of Old City —Chudi Bazaar, Murghi Chowk Clock Tower among others.
The Charminar pedestrianisation project is ongoing where Rs 35.10 crore was allocated for the project in October 2006 and this process has picked up speed in the last few months. Out of this, Rs 12.28 crore has been allocated by the Central government, while the state has allocated Rs 5.36 crore and the GHMC has invested Rs17.55 crore. Another Rs 8.29 crore has been sanctioned by NTPC to take up beautification of Charminar’s surroundings, basic amenities, and battery run vehicles. This has been taken up as their CSR activity. There will also be certain changes in Laad Bazaar where parking is currently haphazard.
Besides this, GHMC is also working to eliminate encroachments on the roads from Madina to Patharghatti. Laying of new pavement works from Charminar to Gulzar House are also underway. Heritage restoration works on these roads have also been completed. Hoardings which have been set up illegally have also been removed.
Chaar Kaman, Kaali Kaman, Machili Kaman, Sher-e-Baatul have, over the years, lost their charm as they have been damaged by sticking bills and sign boards. They have also been subject to pollution too. The cleaning and restoration of this will be completed by the end of April.Also, around `60 crore has been sanctioned for the restoration of Murghi Chowk Clock Tower.