Master plan for restoration of heritage structures proposed

Hyderabad: Principal Secretary Municipal Administration Arvind Kumar underlined the need to have a proper master plan for restoration of heritage structures in Hyderabad.

Speaking at a workshop on "understanding conservation of cultural heritage" at the metro rail conference hall today, he said that a more planned approach for conservation, restoration and preservation of heritage structures would lead to the economic rejuvenation of the region as a whole. He observed that the south of Musi river in Hyderabad has a lot of architectural structures most of which are in a dilapidated shape and which require urgent attention. He asked the town planners and engineers present in the workshop each one of them to own at least one such structure and take up restoration. A team of officers from the town planning and engineering sections will be sent to Delhi to have a firsthand understanding of the steps taken by the Aga Khan Trust for the restoration of the. Nizamuddin Basthi and Humayun Tomb

The two-day workshop organized jointly by UNESCO and Aga Khan Trust in cooperation with the municipal administration and urban development department discussed in detail about the urban heritage and its challenges.

Junhi Han Chief UNESCO New Delhi cluster office gave a powerpoint presentation on resilient, creative and greener cities. Conservation architect Paromita Desarkar spoke about the urban heritage and its challenges while Shveta Mathur presented a case study of Nizamuddin – planning in a historic city centre.

Ratish Nanda CEO of Aga Khan Trust spoke about conservation in the Indian context. On Tuesday the officers and the members will visit Qutb Shahi Tomb complex and have an interactive session.