Rains, state split hit heritage site works

HYDERABAD: The public will have to wait for another two months to view the restored Hayath Bakshi Begum mosque as works taken up by the State Department of Archaeology are still underway. The expectations about it being ready by Milad-Un-Nabi might turn out to be unfounded.

While engineers claim that 60 per cent of the restoration work is complete at the sarai and the mosque, they have applied for an EoT (extension of time) with the government seeking an extension for another two months to finish all the work. They said that the monsoon, the state’s bifurcation and basic paperwork had caused the delay.

“There are two works under progress at the mosque and the sarai (rest house) at present. Restoration of the minarets, water proofing of the roof, parapet repair, the stone sajja, ornamental stucco work and plastering are all underway and will be completed soon.

In the sarai too similar works have been taken up. The rains, however, delayed the work little,” said Azeem Osman, expert and consulting engineer, Department of Archaeology and Museums, Telangana government.

Funds of almost Rs 1 crore were granted under the 13th Finance Commission in August 2013. The amount was supposed to be disbursed in two phases. Meanwhile, the paperwork and documentation of the work delayed the initiation of the restoration works and it was started only in March, 2014.

“These works cannot be time-bound since we have many fundamental issues to deal with. They have to be done with utmost care and often get delayed,” said Alim, an engineer in the Archaeology Department.

“The file of the necessary approval to build a pathway around the tomb is still pending with the director. Only after he approves can we go ahead. We have restored the railing of the tomb, but the other work is yet to get done. About 50-60 per cent work needs to start,” he added.

Apart from the Hayath Bakshi Begum mosque, three other monuments, including Raymond's Tomb at Asmangadh, Baadshahi Ashoor Khana at Charminar and the Masjid-e-Miya Musk at Purana Pul, are getting facelifts.

The Raymond’s Tomb restoration process was also sanctioned Rs 30 lakh, but only 50 per cent work has been done.