The Hindu Business Line : INTACH aims for corporate aid to protect Hyderabad heritage

`It is disturbing to note that the architectural and natural heritage of Hyderabad is slowly getting destroyed. Several monuments have disappeared.'

Hyderabad , April 12

THE 400-year-old city is likely to get help from corporates, banks and external agencies to keep its rich cultural heritage alive.

For one, State Bank of Hyderabad has stepped in to restore and revive the Gunfoundry monument. "It will be ready soon," said Mr Sushil Kumar, an INTACH (Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage) campaigner.

Speaking to newspersons on Tuesday, he said that the trust was approaching corporates and banks to help in its efforts to restore the legacy.

The city was home to a large number of heritage buildings. "Only 137 are notified so far. For a big city like Hyderabad with a long cultural history, the number is very small. It should go up."

Efforts are on to include more buildings into the list.

"It is disturbing to note that the architectural and natural heritage of Hyderabad is slowly getting destroyed. Several monuments have disappeared," he said.

Encroaching has become a menace. The inability of property owners to maintain the buildings too is a big problem.

"We have started advising them and helping them in maintaining the buildings and precincts," said Mr Shravan Kumar, Convener of INTACH (Andhra Pradesh).

The INTACH campaigners said that one solution could be reuse of the buildings.

Citing the example of Rajasthan, where some of the heritage buildings were used as hotels and motels, they said that reuse holds the key as it generates revenues.

They added that getting the `heritage city' status globally would help attract tourists and revenues into the State capital.

Meanwhile, it has been announced that the 10th edition of INTACH's Heritage Awards would be presented on April 18. Owners of six well-conserved and preserved heritage buildings, lakes, gardens and precincts would be given awards by the Governor, Mr Sushilkumar Shinde. He will also launch the INTACH Web site that day.

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication :: Printer Friendly Page