HYDERABAD: Historians, lawyers, doctors, and media personnel gathered at Lamakaan on Friday to discuss the proposed demolition of the Victoria Zenana Hospital. Reportedly, the H Block of the hospital is proposed to be razed to make way for a multi-storey parking lot.
During the press conference, historian and conservation expert Sajjad Shahid addressed the media, stating, “As a historical building, it is an integral part of Hyderabad’s heritage and belongs to the people of the city.” He expressed concern over the fate of the old fountain from the Qutb Shahi era located on the premises amid the demolition plan.
Senior Advocate Unnam Muralidhar Rao said that the Bar Association had filed an appeal for the construction of a parking lot, emphasising the necessity, while also highlighting the importance of preserving the historical building.
In a letter addressed to the Chief Justice of Telangana High Court, Rao mentioned that the Registrar (Management) of the HC had directed the demolition of several buildings on the premises without considering the underlying legalities. Rao explained that the demolition of the hospital and its redevelopment into a multi-storey parking lot lacked permission from the HMDA, as required by law. He pointed out that no consultation with the Heritage Conservation Committee could have taken place, as the committee’s term had ended in 2013 and was not reconstituted.
Previously, the hospital building was protected under Heritage Building Regulation 13 (1) of the Zoning Regulations, 1981, as a Grade II-B Heritage Building. However, it was later denotified via GO47, released by MAUD.
Although the de-notification was challenged in court, the petition was dismissed. Sajjad Shahid argued that a building, once recognised as a heritage site due to its historical, aesthetic, cultural, and architectural value, cannot be reversely denotified, as these distinct values cannot be lost.