The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : Secretariat block may be spared

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Feb 21, 2005

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Secretariat block may be spared

By K. Venkateshwarlu

The G Block building at the Secretariat. Photo: Satish H.

HYDERABAD, FEB. 20. In a development that could save the century-old G Block building on the Secretariat premises, the nerve centre of administration in the Nizam's era, the Heritage Conservation Committee (HCC) has recommended its retention.

It is reliably learnt that the decision to retain the building was taken at the 53rd meeting of the HCC held recently and the same conveyed to the Andhra Pradesh High Court. The court, while staying the Government's decision to demolish the building, directed the HCC to study the matter and submit its recommendation. After a detailed examination, the HCC suggested its retention and inclusion in the list of heritage buildings notified for protection.

Caught in a row

The double-storied building that stands amid modern multi-storied structures had been caught in a row for over a year now. Not protected by law or regulation, the previous Government almost decided to pull down the building but the decision was put on hold following a petition by heritage aficionados.

This was when the Assembly elections were announced and the building remained untouched. The new Government took charge and decided to demolish the bloc allegedly at the instance of the contractors lobby that eyed its seasoned Burma teak rafters. The Roads and Buildings Department again certified it as unsafe. This time round, well-meaning and prominent citizens of Hyderabad petitioned the Chief Secretary to drop the move. The Heritage Cell of the Forum for Better Hyderabad went a step further and approached the court.

Claim contested

The cell's convenor, M. Veda Kumar, contested the Government's claim that the building was unsafe and in a dilapidated state. An independent engineers' panel had certified it as structurally sound, despite its poor maintenance. He wanted the Government not to go by the mere technicality of the building being not finding a place on the list of heritage buildings notified for protection. It was no ground for demolition.

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. The ornate staircase and a lift add to the richness of the building.

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