TICKLISH ISSUE: The old pension office building in Motigalli near Charminar. — Photo: D. Gopalakrishnan

Hyderabad: Have the MCH's plans to build the first-ever multi-level parking lot in the old city run into rough weather? It appears so. To address the growing parking problem in and around Charminar, the corporation has proposed converting the Pension Payment Office at Moti Galli into a parking lot. But a court case has put paid to the idea - for the time being.

As part of the Charminar Pedestrianisation Project (CPP), the MCH has proposed a five-level parking complex. This will include a cellar and sub-cellar too. The project will be developed on BOT basis.

Since the old Pension Payment Office is now lying vacant, the Hyderabad Collector has been asked to hand over the land.

"But so far there is no reply from the Government," said Syed Muzaffar Husain, CPP in charge in MCH.

Helplessness

The district authorities, however, express helplessness in handing over the pension office in view of the court case. Some pensioners are stated to have gone to court and the latter has given a stay order.

Since alienation of any land to other departments requires Government approval, the matter has been referred to the Chief Commissioner of Land Administration.

"If the Government okays we will hand over the land, I see no problem," said the Collector, Arvind Kumar. The matter also figured at a recent meeting with the Chief Secretary.

The site at the pension payment office measures some 1.5 acres, including the office building. While the open space will be converted into a parking lot, the MCH plans to house a museum in the stately old building wherein things connected with Hyderabad will be displayed.

Heritage value

Till recently, the main gate of the pension office had two `mohars' (seals) of the Nizam. But one of them broke some time ago. The elegant edifice once housed the `shahi khazana.' But today, it is in a state of utter disarray. However, for heritage lovers it continues to be of interest.

The walls and roof still bear the intricate plasterwork. Whatever purpose the premises is used, its heritage side should be kept in mind, the Collector said.

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