Telangana approves Rs 11.86 crore to restore eight historic arches in Hyderabad

The Telangana government has sanctioned ₹11.86 crore for the restoration of eight historic arches from the Qutb Shahi and Asaf Jahi eras across Hyderabad, including Chatta Bazaar, Hussaini Alam, Diwan Deodhi, Dabeerpura, Hashmat Jung, Shaik Faiz, and Ranigunj. According to a Government Order issued on Thursday, the decision follows the partial collapse of the Chatta Bazaar Kamaan due to rains last month, prompting an urgent need for structural preservation.

The restoration project will be executed by the Quli Qutb Shah Urban Development Authority (QQSUDA) using funds from the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA). Previously, the government had sanctioned ₹2 crore for minor repairs. However, QQSUDA expressed concern that this amount would be inadequate to ensure the structural safety and soundness of the historic kamaans, leading to the revised allocation of ₹11.86 crore.

Under the newly issued order, QQSUDA has been permitted to invite requests for proposals (RFPs) to select consultancy services. These consultants will be tasked with preparing detailed project reports, creating detailed cost estimates, and providing allied consultancy services.

The state government has mandated that the restoration work must be carried out in strict accordance with heritage conservation guidelines. QQSUDA is required to consult heritage conservation experts throughout the process and obtain all necessary statutory permissions before commencing the physical work.

The urgency of the project was highlighted last month when a section of the Chatta Bazaar Kamaan, which is part of the historic Diwan Deodhi complex, collapsed following rains. While no loss of life was reported, the incident raised safety concerns. The Diwan Deodhi complex historically belonged to the Salar Jung family, who introduced administrative reforms in Hyderabad during the Asaf Jahi period.

Among the other structures slated for renovation is the Hashmat Jung Kamaan. This arch was named after James Kirkpatrick, the British Resident in Hyderabad from 1797 to 1805, who was bestowed with the title Hashmat Jung and married Khairunnisa, a member of the erstwhile nobility.