FREEDOM FROM EYESORES: Encroachments around Chowmohallah Palace being razed on Friday. — PHOTO: K. Ramesh Babu

HYDERABAD: There will be no more structural intrusions rising into the skyline and eclipsing the 200-year-old Chowmahalla Palace.

Thanks to the recent High Court order to stop constructions in the vicinity of the palace and demolish buildings that had come up in violation of heritage conservation norms, the Municipal Corporation of Hyderabad officials swung into action here on Friday after convincing the owners. Their job became easier with the owners cooperating with them in the joint operation.

Just 12 acres now

Chowmahalla Palace, built in French and Islamic architecture styles and located just 300 metres west of Charminar, showcases the bygone era and fascinating lifestyle of the Asaf Jahis. Once spread over 45 acres with sprawling gardens and open space, the palace is now reduced to 12 acres. The palace that was kept out of bounds for the public was thrown open to visitors last year after the first phase of restoration. Many buildings had sprouted all around the heritage complex over the years without permission. This is the first time the axe had fallen on high-rise constructions close to Chowmahalla Palace.

Municipal Commissioner Sanjay Jaju said that demolitions in the old city were being carried out in the last one-and-a-half years for road widening with public cooperation. With regard to constructions near Chowmahalla Palace too the Corporation had been serving notices. But things got expedited after the High Court order.

Within 30 metres

MCH Additional Commissioner Dhanunjaya Reddy said that as per court order 21 buildings around the palace complex would be demolished. "The order is to remove illegal structures within 30 metres from the palace and the work is in progress," he said. Chowmahalla Palace Creative Director G.Kishan Rao expressed happiness that the demolition work was smooth as owners were cooperative and this would go long way in preserving the sanctity of heritage structure. Mr. Ansari, co-ordinator, Chowmahalla Palace too welcomed the development. Meanwhile heritage lovers expressed hope that the MCH would show the same drive and demolish illegal structures near other heritage structures in the twin cities.

Others feel that MCH authorities should be more vigilant and nip the problem in the bud itself whenever a building anywhere in the city came without permission and in violation of building rules near heritage structures.

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