Hyderabad Heritage Trust initiates clean-up drive of heritage sites

Hyderabad: As part of generating awareness and driving home the importance of conservation of heritage structures in the city, the Hyderabad Heritage Trust (HHT) has decided to take up clean up drive of the heritage sites, particularly those which are facing neglect.

Initially, the volunteers who received permission from the State government will be taking up the programme at Hillfort palace located at Naubat Pahad and owned by the State government.

Speaking to The Hans India, Deepak Kant Gir, Founder and Managing Trustee of HHT, said that following continues efforts and constant connect with the government officials in this endeavor, the first of its kind initiative by the HHT received permission. "It has taken for a while, but it's the first step for new beginning and Chief Secretary was progressive on this front and he did not hesitate to provide access. Clean up is the first step and later the Trust aims to carryout efforts for comprehensive conservation of the entire palace, which is expensive and time-consuming assignment," he said.

The magnificent European style palace was built by Sir Nizamat Jung, one of the Ministers under Nizam in 1915, on five acres of land. Later, the property was sold to Nizam and was allotted to Prince Moazzam Jah. From 1997 the building remained completely under government control, different proposals came forward for restoring the past glory, but none of them materialized.

About cleaning programme

Deepak Gir informed that that there was lot of wild growth of vegetation in the forecourt and lot of debris inside. "We will do as much as in a day. But the idea remains that the effort has to start somewhere, and Hyderabad's citizens have to step forward and volunteer to do this. Otherwise there is steady deterioration of these buildings."

He feels that the unified efforts from denizens can prompt the State government to prioritize about the conservation of heritage structures like this, so that it can contribute to tourism. "Once we effectively demonstrate that Civic society can do something along with the government, then it can pave way for us to get even more opportunities in terms of conserving the palace and eventually turning into something which is worthwhile and connect with the people of Hyderabad.

We would hope that this palace is turned up into a 'cultural hub of Hyderabad' and should be open to general public," he added. As part of these efforts, the HHT is also seeking crowd funding and requested the general public to support the cause through donations to enable the volunteers execute the cleanup drive.