CSI Wesley Church Members in Secunderabad Oppose New Building After Demolition

Members of the 110-year-old CSI Wesley Church at Clock Tower in Secunderabad have voiced strong opposition against a proposed new building planned adjacent to the notified heritage structure. The dispute erupted after the church committee demolished the adjoining Parish Hall at the site to make room for the new construction.

According to church members, the demolition proceeded despite municipal intervention. Dr John Ravinder, former principal of Wesley Junior College and a senior church member, stated that a formal complaint had been registered with the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC). Following an inspection, the GHMC issued and pasted an immediate stop order at the site, which Dr Ravinder alleged the committee disregarded to complete the demolition.

The church governing body maintained that the demolition was necessary to accommodate a growing congregation and create space for official church meetings. Presbytery in-charge Rev Andrew Prem Sukumar explained that the old Parish Hall had a leaking tin-sheet roof and that the proposal had received committee approval. He noted that children currently attend Sunday school in temporary sheds and pastors lack proper accommodation, adding that a professional was engaged to design the building following advice from heritage consultants.

Opposing members, however, raised concerns over the structural and historical integrity of the neo-Gothic church. The heritage structure was recognised for its maintenance on World Heritage Day in April this year by the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), which highlighted its use of teak, rosewood, stained glass, and solid wooden beams.

Opponents have formally reached out to regulatory and administrative bodies seeking verification. Church member M. Paul Vedanth said clarifications have been sought from the town planning office, GHMC, Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA), Heritage Telangana, and the management of the CSI Medak Diocese regarding whether the removal was authorised and if mandatory municipal, planning, structural, and fire-safety approvals have been secured.