The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : Claim on `unsafe' G block disputed

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Dec 08, 2004

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Claim on `unsafe' G block disputed

By Our Special Correspondent

HYDERABAD, DEC.7. The Heritage Cell of the Forum for Better Hyderabad, has contested the Government's claim that the historically important G Block building on the Secretariat premises was unsafe and in a dilapidated state, while renewing its appeal against its demolition.

In a memorandum to the Government on Tuesday, M. Veda Kumar, convenor, said the Roads & Buildings Department's opinion on the building should not be treated as final. Independent engineers had certified it as structurally sound, despite its poor maintenance, and the Government could appoint a team of experts to study the issue.

Historical significance

He wanted the Government not to go by mere technicality of the building being not there in the listed heritage buildings notified for protection. It was no ground for its demolition, as the building fulfils most of the criteria laid out for listing.

He recalled that the G Block was built in 1888 by the Sixth Nizam and was known as Saifabad Palace. It finds its place in one of the earliest cartographic maps of Hyderabad brought out in 1914-15. Some of the unique architectural features include its classical European style with grand semi-circular arches, imposing arched portico, Corinthian columns and high ceiling.

It was the nerve centre of administration right from the day when the Department of Finance and Public Works was shifted to this palace. Many of the Prime Ministers to the Nizam had their office in the building till liberation of Hyderabad State. Later, the building became the Chief Ministers Office, from the first Chief Minister of Hyderabad State, Boorgula Ramakrishna Rao onwards.

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