Clock tower at Old City to regain charm

Charminar: The famous clock tower of Old City ‘Chowk’ is all set to get its past glory and sheen following the already started repair and restoration works at the monument. The repair work has been going on for some weeks now. This tower will be renewed and restored to its past glory by the experts to suit the recent beautification works going on at Charminar.

The State government has recently released some funds for the development and maintenance of the historic monuments in Old City so that more tourists can be attracted and thus generate more tourism revenue in near future. History enthusiasts and locals have been asking the authorities to take cognisance of the situation at Chowk Clock tower which is about 100 years or more. The clock tower was built along with the mosque in front of it by a noble of Asif Jahi Dynasty.

Until sometime back, it was well maintained and was in a good condition. However, for some years in recent past, it was neglected and had become the place for homeless people. Some repair work was however done at the tower site some years ago, but it was not comprehensive and complete.
The restoration process may take few months and it is expected that the authorities will be able to bring back its past glory. 

Works on the site have gained momentum after a delegation of old city legislators, GHMC officials and others visited various sites in Old City and discussed the development plan. During the visit to Clock Tower, MA & UD Principal Secretary Arvind Kumar said that it is the right time to take care of the maintenance of monuments in Old City. He said that the Murgi Market (Chicken Market) would also be restored and repaired in future.

BY Mohammed Younus