Musallam Jang Pul wallows in neglect

Hyderabad: A century old structure of Musallam Jang Pul (Muslim Jung Pool) is in a dilapidated condition due to negligence by officials. Many stone grills (side walls) of the bridge are broken and the bridge is damaged at several places.

Vegetation grown on the eastern side of the bridge, pose a threat to the structure. It was constructed in the 1893 by the sixth Nizam Mir Mahboob Ali Khan and later rebuilt after the 1908 Musi River floods.

The structure has been facing the apathy of officials for a long time. A new bridge was constructed parallel to the Musallam Jang Bridge a few years ago to ease the movement of traffic. But the new bridge completely shadowed the older one.

Historians, archaeology enthusiasts and other social groups would observe the commemoration day of Musi River Floods on September 28.

Noted historian Captain Pandu Ranga Reddy said that many structures in city have been under severe neglect. He said, ``Neglecting these historical structures is equal to neglecting the glorious history of Hyderabad. Musallam Jang Pul is a land mark bridge in the city. It must be protected and restored to its natural condition.”

It is to be noted that Stat government announced a huge package for the Musi River Beautification project. However, it is not clear that renovation of this bridge was included in the projector or not.

The construction of new bridge close to the Musallam Jang Pul was also flayed by the archaeologists in the past.