SILENT SPECTATOR: The famous Cliff Rock. - Photo: Satish H.

HYDERABAD: Attempts to preserve a few of the existing rock formations in and around the twin cities, as `heritage precincts' seems to be finally yielding positive results.

Heritage committee of Hyderabad Urban Development Authority (HUDA) has sent a pruned list of rock sites for approval and induction into the Heritage list. Officials inform that a decision on the list would be taken up soon.

Members of Society to Save Rocks had earlier this year forwarded a list of 20 rock sites to HUDA for recognition as important rock formations having heritage value.

`No objection'

In turn, the HUDA officials called for `no objections' from private parties. Barring three areas, most of the other rock formations proposed by the society has not received any objections.

"Parts of rock site near Fakruddin Gutta at Ghachibowli, Kulsum's Rock at Road No-10, Banjara Hills and Kaithalpur Rocks near Moosapet have received objections from private parties. So the list had to be pruned," informed Secretary Society to Save Rocks, Frauke Quader.

HUDA officials have also written letters to administration of Ranga Reddy district and Cantonment Board on the need to protect existing rock sites- one near Venkateswara temple, Shamirpet Lake falls under Ranga Reddy district. "Gun Rock at Secunderabad, Mahendra Hills, Dargah Kohe-Imam-e-Zaminat at Trimulgherry fall under the jurisdiction of Cantonment Board. It remains to be seen whether the local authorities would take up protection," said Ms. Quader.

It is learnt that HUDA heritage committee has requested the Lanco group, to suitably adjust their office building designs at Fakruddin Gutta, keeping the rock formation intact. The Society is also holding a series of talks with State Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (APIIC). .

Places

Rock sites likely to be notified as heritage precincts: Fakruddin Gutta Ghachibowli, rocks at Moula Ali, Hamburger rock near Telecom Colony, Gachibowli, rocks at Dargah Kohe-Imam-e Zamin, Trimulgherry, at Pahaar-e-Shareef, United-we-stand rock and Pathar Dil rock, Gachibowli, rocks at Mahendra Hills, Gun Rock, rocks near Dattatreya temple, Asifnagar, Allahbanda Hill, Sitarambagh, Taramati Baradari, AP Police Academy (APPA), Shamirpet lake and rocks near Malkam Cheruvu, Sheikhpet.

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