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Mahboob Chowk clock tower cries for attention
Despite countless representations by activists to categorise the 125-year-old clock tower at Mahboob Chowk here as a ‘heritage monument’, the structure continues to lie disregarded and is now in a state of extreme neglect.
Charminar: Despite countless representations by activists to categorise the 125-year-old clock tower at Mahboob Chowk here as a ‘heritage monument’, the structure continues to lie disregarded and is now in a state of extreme neglect.
There is no maintenance staff to tend to it making it an ideal spot for beggars and homeless people to take refuge. Consequently, like other towers across the city, it is in shambles.
There are stone benches in the premises of the tower that have become a den for homeless people.
“A few people, who come to the mosque opposite to the tower, rest here sometimes,” said Sajid Khan, a local. He said that during Ramadan, the tower premises are used for breaking the fast.
Heritage activists have given many representations to the authorities demanding to streamline the maintenance of the tower. However, this has gone in vain. The mosque, Chowk ki Masjid, is under the maintenance of Wakf Board and clock tower is looked after by the GHMC, who do not seem to be doing much of a job in ensuring its proper condition. Consequently, the structure is decaying.
The mosque committee president Mohammed Shareef said that State government could have developed the area by taking up the renovation of the tower.
“It would be better if the monument is protected. It will definitely give a real historic look thus attracting more tourists and business to the area, which is close to the Chowmahalla Palace and Charminar,” he said.
One of the several clock towers in the city, the monument, which was built in 1892, gives an opportunity for tourists and onlookers to peep into the history of the city. The primary purpose of this tower was to create a landmark and a relaxation place for people coming to the mosque opposite to it. It was constructed by the personal exchequer of a noble lady, Syedunnisa Begum.
The area was later called as Chowk and everything around it inherited the same name. Though it’s a historic structure, it is not a protected monument as per archaeological norms.
