MS Makta is a busy settlement that sits across Necklace Road. For years now, one would only hear stories about the problems plaguing the area — water problems and instances of flooding topped the list. But, if we’re to go by the new plans, Makta could get a face-lift due to the efforts of the Krishnakriti and the art@telangana foundation. The plan they say is to convert the area into a culturally enhanced space, a lot like Delhi’s Haus Khaz village.
Plan set
When the St+Art Hyd festival came to Hyderabad, artists painted buildings in the Makta region and it was brought to life, bringing a lot of attention to the area. Prashant Lahoti, who heads Krishnakriti, says, “The idea to recreate Hauz Khas was floated by Papa Rao, managing trustee at art@telangana. When the buildings were painted, we noticed a lot of footfall and so we’re using that as a starting point to get more attention to Makta.”
While the planning is in the preliminary stage, the foundations have got the go-ahead from the government. “We have a simple plan. We will get artworks on many other buildings too, in the coming three-four years and when the footfall increases, we plan to come up with boutiques, gift and coffee shops and even studios for artists to work out of,” adds Lahoti.
Papa Rao, who is also an advisor to the government, says that the idea is to slowly incorporate art in the daily life of the city and this is their first stop. “Makta has come a long way. When I was in college, it was not in great shape, but over the years, that has changed and now we want to improve it even more. The area is not very developed like the other parts of the city and instead of choosing an area like Banjara Hills or Jubilee Hills, we chose Makta for the St+Art Hyd festival as we wanted art to enhance the living areas of people who are not that well-off, says Papa Rao.”
Artist sattired with children from the Makta region.
Employment for the residents
With plans of gift shops and studios coming up, Lahoti and Rao are making sure that the locals are involved in every step of their project. Rao says that nothing will be done without the permission of the residents. “Since we’re working in their space we make sure we have their approval. We even put up works that people don’t object to,” says Rao, while Lahoti adds, “We’re going to be using the space of the locals and we will provide employment for people interested. They can find jobs in the numerous projects that we’re planning here. Locals can also set up their own business, which will also help them make money.”
No vandalism issue here
The problem with Hyderabad is that people tend to vandalise buildings, they write their names, profess their love and worse, stick posters where ever they can, but Prshant has a plan.
“The GHMC will make sure there are no posters. When minister K. T. Rama Rao had attended our Mela, he spoke about how the GHMC will penalise people who stick posters and vandalise the area. We have plans of setting up a small fund, with the help of that, people will keep a check on the area and make sure that posters will be cleaned within a week,” says Lahoti.
A great move: Artists
With such big plans, the artists can’t be left far behind and they are clearly kicked about it. Vijay and Swati, the graffiti art couple from Hyderabad, are eagerly awaiting this move. Swati says, “This is a great idea. The city has visual pollution and this will break it. The current work has got a lot of attention and painting more buildings will create a lot of buzz, and it will take art to the people and will bridge the gap between art and people.”
Hyderabad has earned itself a notorious tag among people thanks to the incessant advertisements and the hoardings around the city and this project will bring the much-needed relief, believes artist Sanjay Ashtaputre.
“Art on buildings is visually appealing. Such projects should come up in various parts of the city too, especially places where people go to relax. When art is introduced at such areas it forces people to think about it too.”
