RAVAGES OF TIME: The decades-old Moulana Azad Oriental Manuscripts Library at Public Garden is in a deplorable condition. -- PHOTO: P.V. Sivakumar

Hyderabad: Two heritage structures, symbols of bygone era, are in a shambles. And there is no one to take care of them.

Interestingly, these edifices exist not in a remote corner but are situated plonk in the heart of the city. In fact, right next to the seat of power, the State Legislative Assembly.

The hoary buildings — one housing the prestigious Abul Kalam Azad Oriental Research Institute and the other a library — on either side of Royal mosque in Public Gardens are gradually falling apart.

Before they were handed over to the institute, the buildings served as `niaz khanas' where poor-feeding was taken up.

In terrible shape

The stamp of neglect is clear. The buildings are full of cracks. At several places in the roof, chunk of plaster has come off. Windowpanes are broken and the collapsible gate is in pretty bad shape. The recent rain has left it mark of dampness on the walls. Algae formations can be seen on the exterior, giving the structures a seedy look.

Established after India's first Education Minister, the institute shifted to the Public Gardens in 1964.

It is a virtual treasure house of Islamic literature. Books on Moulana Azad's religious thought, his role in Indian politics and the famous Tafseer-e-Surah-e-Fatiha, besides numerous research works in Arabic, Persian, Urdu and English are contained in 32 steel almirahs.

The library in the other building is home to 12,558 books and 133 rare manuscripts

Grave risk to literature

Sadly this invaluable literature is at risk. "Both buildings leak at several places," admit staff working here. A recent inspection done by Roads and Buildings officials has found the roof covered with dry leaves leading to water seepage through the cracks. The R&B Department has estimated that an amount of Rs. 5 lakhs is needed to carry out the repairs, it is said.

But the institute, which runs on a shoestring budget, doesn't have the money to carry out the repairs.

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