Hyderabad: Hyderabadis who depended on local authorities or historians to find the exact number of clock towers in the twin cities now have a concrete answer. It is 12.
This was found out in a survey jointly conducted by Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation and Telangana State Heritage Authority. The nodal agencies found out three clock towers in Secunderabad and nine in Hyderabad.
Five of them are in a dilapidated condition and the clocks in seven out of 12 towers are dysfunctional.
The authorities have now decided to knock on the state government’s doors to restore the century-old heritage structures.
Officials claimed that experts from across the globe will be roped in specifically to repair the clocks and restore the structures.
Following the directions of municipal administration and urban development principal secretary Mr Arvind Kumar, the authorities embarked on a survey to find out the exact number of clock towers in the twin cities and identified as many as 12.
Out of three clock towers in Secunderabad, the one at Monda Market has to be renovated, while the clock is in working condition.
Even though the civic body renovated the Secunderabad tower, it still requires minor repairs while the clock has to be repaired.
The clock tower on James Street is in a dilapidated condition with the clock not in working condition. Officials say the clock tower has to be repaired and renovated immediately, as it might collapse any moment. The tower is under the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation’s maintenance.
The clock tower at Fateh Maidan Club, maintained by the Sports Authority of India, though in good condition has to be repaired immediately.
The clock tower at Mozamjahi Market, maintained by GHMC, was under renovation.
Clock towers at Sultan Bazar (maintained by R&B), Devdi Raja Chowk in Shalibanda (private property) and Kilwat Palace (maintained by Nizam) were in a dilapidated condition, with none of the clocks working.
Clocks at Charminar (maintained by ASI), Kachiguda Railway Station and St George Church (clock not working) are in relatively better condition.
Mahboob Chowk clock tower, maintained by GHMC, is in the final stages of renovation.
Sources in the heritage department and civic body said a report has been submitted to the state government and its approval is awaited for renovation of heritage structures and clock repairs.
Sources said the Ramesh Watch Co has already walked out of the clock repairing project and HMT has been roped in to take up clock repairs. They said corporates would be roped in to take up repair and renovation works under corporate social responsibility and international tenders will be called for restoring the heritage structures.
