It’s time up for city’s clock towers

Historical clock towers in a state of abject disrepair stand out like sore thumbs or accusing fingers pointing at a city known for its glorious heritage. The ongoing World Heritage Celebrations has not been deemed reason enough for authorities to pay attention to the city’s architectural inheritance.

Technically under the purview of the Municipal Corporation, the towers are not only ill maintained but also display signs of neglect. From the clock at the St. Joseph’s Church which has no hands, to the one at the Mozamjahi Market which is hollow with no dial and the one at James Street whose clocks display different times simultaneously, the list is endless.

Quiz the GHMC about the lack of maintenance and they are quick to pass the buck. “Various clock towers fall under different departments,” defends Kishan Deshpande, estates officer, GHMC. However, the officer is left stumped when you point out that the ones at Monda Market and Secunderabad, which fall under his jurisdiction are also ill maintained. “I don’t know why the maintenance work isn’t being carried out,” he admits.

Scattered across the city, the towers are considered heritage structures erected for public convenience. “These days however, they aren’t considered as important anymore,” says Sajjad Shahid, secretary, Centre for Deccan Studies. He bemoans the fact that even the relatively well maintained Secunderabad clock tower, now sports a monstrous electrical sub-station next to it and one of its clocks has no hands. “Most of the clock towers’ mechanisms aren’t functioning properly. As a result, clocks in the same tower always show different times. The one at Mehboob Chowk is considered the most important, but even that isn’t in such a great condition. Although there was a proposal put up a few years ago for its maintenance, the funds haven’t been utilised properly,” he says, revealing, “Although there are a few towers in the city that may look good externally, on the inside they are in shambles.”

Vedakumar, president, Forum for Better Hyderabad, who is currently conducting a survey of the various clock towers in the city and their present status, says, “These towers are the identity of the city and speak volumes of our history. While the negligence is regrettable, even public awareness is quite low. Maybe if it became a public movement it would spur authorities into action.” He adds that by mid-December they hope to put forth a representation of the issue to the local government.

“Since these are all public buildings, it has to be the effort of the state to preserve them. After all how many petitions can an organisation file? It has to be a more broad-based protest. Probably roping in private players to carry out maintenance work will do the trick,” says Shahid.