Heritage sites falling prey to vandalism

The 89-year-old Osmania General Hospital (OGH) is at a risk of being lost, and all true-blue Hyderabadis feel the urgency to save the ancient structure. Concerned with this task, a two-day talk was organised by Hyderabad Trails at Lamakaan on Friday.

Madhu Vottry, author and conservation architect spoke on ‘Architectural history that shaped Hyderabad’. She discussed various styles of architecture used in the city, such as European and Indo-Saracenic, which is an Islamic, Moorish and Gothic style rendered in Indian ways; and the current state of ancient structures.

GSV Surya Narayana Murthy, a conservation architect spoke on ‘Approach to architecture conservation with case studies from Hyderabad’ that included methods of conservation of buildings. His talk outlined renewal of buildings through spatial reorganisation, physical maintenance and collective initiative by residents of the city.

Speaking specifically about OGH Murthy said, “Only 20-15 per cent of the building appears to be dangerous, and that too only in wet areas mostly restricted to the ceiling through which water seeps. The walls of the building, which are majorly made of stone and brick, are mostly intact.”

Following the talks, a lively discussion and question-answer round was held with the audience. The event noted that due to the increasing value of land, these priceless heritage sites are falling prey to vandalism.

Also present at the event was Sajjad Shahid, civil engineer and co-convenor, INTACH Hyderabad Chapter who said, “There are constant talks of making India into a China or Singapore. For God’s sake, I want to live in my own city where I am already happy.”

By Elita Enoch