Government giving false information on Ashoorkhanas’ repair works: Shia leaders

• Allege that Rs 54 lakh sanctioned for repair works in 2017 has not been utilised as claimed by MLC
• The estimates given by Archaeology for renovation and repair works does not match the sanctioned amount
• For Aza E Khana, the Archaeology department estimated Rs 1.75 crore but Rs 50 lakh was sanctioned
• For Nale Mubarak Rs 30 lakh estimate was given but only Rs 4.5 lakh was sanctioned 8 months back

Charminar: With just less than a fortnight for beginning of Muharram, the Shia leaders are up in arms over delay of renovation and repair works of Ashoorkhanas.

They blamed the ‘misrepresentation’ of the case to the State government and Archaeological department by the local public representatives and for twisting the facts for general public.

They alleged that announcement of sanction of Rs 54.50 lakh for renovation Aza E Khana Zehra, Darulshifa and repairs of Aashoorkhana Nale Mubarak, Patthargatti by former MLC Altaf Hyder Razvi was earlier passed in September 26, 2017 and could not be utilised as it failed the specifications of State Archaeology Department.

Considered to be heritage structures, the renovation and repair works were pending for the last several decades.

It was held that the funding for renovation or repair work nowhere matches with the facts and figures if Archaeology Department takes up the work.

For Aza E Khana, the Archaeology department estimated Rs 1.75 crore but Rs 50 lakh has been sanctioned and for Nale Mubarak the estimate is Rs 30 lakhs only Rs 4.5 lakh has been sanctioned that too about 8 months back.

Not even a single repair work has been undertaken till now. “This is clearly a wrong representation of former MLC who has announced sanctioning of amount by government on Monday.

The month of Muharram is near and we are still concerned about the repair work which is yet to be started.

What is there to rejoice now when the amount was already dispersed to State Archaeology long back? Questioned Syed Ali Jaffry of Shia Companions Organisation, who has filed an RTI regarding the repair works.

He explained that the devout wish the government take up complete restoration work of these historic structures.

Aza E Khana Zehra was built in 1930 by Mir Osman Ali Khan, the 7th Nizam of Hyderabad, in memory of his mother Amtul Zehra Begum.

It was designed by the architect Zain Yar Jang. With a total built up area of 4,500 sq yds and has a seating capacity of 25,000.

“The roofing is made up of teakwood and if the government is serious to bring this structure back to its original form, spending money as token would not help,” Jaffry added.

Aza E Khana Zehra is located on the banks of Musi river and adjacent to Salarjung Museum. Derived from the Mughal and Deccani style of architecture, this building has Qutub Shahi style brackets.

In 2008, this architectural marvel had undergone massive repairs first time in 67 years. Aza Khana E Zehra is a mourning place and also was awarded the Intach Heritage Award in 1999.