The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : Old jail building collapses

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Tuesday, Aug 19, 2008
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Old jail building collapses

S. Sandeep Kumar

It got heritage status during Secunderabad 200 years fete

Major part of the rear portion was abandoned due to its dilapidated state
Plan to construct multi-storied parking lot halted following court order

PHOTO: P.V. SIVAKUMAR

Old but not gold: The old jail building in Monda Market that collapsed on Monday. —

HYDERABAD: The roof of the old jail building’s rear portion collapsed on Monday afternoon sending jitters to the 50-odd tenants conducting business in it. The building, which is a heritage structure, comprises godowns on the rear portion and several commercial establishments on the front portion at Subash Nagar in Secunderabad.

A major part of the rear portion of the building has been abandoned for the last five years because of its dilapidated state, except two godowns that have been rented to private establishments by the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), according to the tenants association.

“Our workers were loading stocks into vans and suddenly there was a big noise. They rushed out in time before the roof collapsed and damaging our sidewall as well,” explained A. Prakash, a tenant. Secretary of the association Srinivas Malathkar said that the roof collapsed at around noon. GHMC authorities were informed in person, but not a single officer turned up to take stock of the situation.

The building was declared a heritage structure during the Secunderabad 200 years celebrations couple of years ago, but since then the building had lacked proper maintenance, not even a proper white wash. The tenants alleged that despite several representations made to the GHMC, repair works were not taken up.

“There were plans to construct a multi-storied parking lot by the GHMC on the jail building premises, but they were halted following a court order. Ever since, the GHMC authorities have been giving a step-motherly treatment to the building,” rued Mr. Malathker.

Blame game

When contacted, the GHMC authorities indulged in a blame game. “The old jail building is a heritage structure and has to be maintained by the Archaeological Department,” was what Deputy Municipal Commissioner (Secunderabad) G. Krishnaiah, had to say.

The in-charge Additional Commissioner for Heritage and Charminar Pedestrianisation Programme (CPP) K. Kedarswari was not available as her phone was switched off.

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