Stench assaults visitors to historic Charminar

Charminar: Hundreds of visitors who thronged the historic Charminar on weekend had an obnoxious welcome as the entire area was reeking of nasty stench that emanated from an overflowing drainage that left the newly laid road right in front of the monument soaked in sewerage water.

Visitors in large numbers were seen struggling along the narrow pavements already crowded by vendors and beggars and had a terrible time crossing the road. People, locals and foreign tourists alike, were seen covering their noses and muttering curses against the authorities for the poor upkeep of a tourist spot. "It has been two days since this drainage is overflowing but no one bothered to address the problem though we complained to the local authorities," said Md Iqbal, a petty vendor near the edifice.

"This is disgusting, we have come here with a lot of excitement to visit the historic structure, but we never expected such a horrible condition," said Sirisha Palvai, a degree student from Warangal who came to visit Charminar along with her friends.

Water and toilets missing

At most historic sites, it is not difficult to find water and toilets but not at Charminar. Thousands of tourists visit Charminar, Salarjung Museum, Nizam's Museum, Chowmohalla Palace and Laad Bazaar daily. Getting clean drinking water, proper toilets and encroachment free walking spaces is an issue.

M K Raghavan, who participates in heritage walks in the Old City says, "If this is the condition at Charminar one can wonder how it is in slums. The government wants to increase the number of travellers to Hyderabad but if cannot provide even basic amenities why would tourists come."