Don't Disturb Heritage Structures, Compound Walls for Metro corridor: HC tells HMRL
The Telangana High Court on Thursday directed the state government and Hyderabad Metro Rail Ltd to not disturb any heritage and archeological structure or their compound walls for construction of the Metro Rail in the Old City
Telangana: The Telangana High Court on Thursday directed the state government and Hyderabad Metro Rail Ltd (HMRL) to not disturb any heritage and archeological structure or their compound walls for construction of the Metro Rail in the Old City. A division bench comprising acting Chief Justice Sujoy Paul and Justice Renuka Yara was dealing with a PIL which complained that several heritage precincts would be affected by the proposed alignment of Phase-II of the Metro Rail.
Rahim Khan of the Act Public Welfare Foundation, an NGO, had filed the PIL, requesting the court to direct the authorities to stall the project until an expert body conducted a comprehensive heritage impact assessment and statutory approvals had been obtained as per the Telangana Heritage Act and Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958.
In February last week, the court had directed the state government, HMRL and others to file counter affidavits over the issues raised in the PIL.
M.A. Basith, counsel for the petitioner, on Thursday submitted to the court that even as the PIL was pending, authorities had initiated the demolition of several structures mentioned in Precinct 10. He argued that the demolitions were reportedly taking place at the compound wall of Princess Esin College for Women in Purana Haveli and the Nizam-era Old MCH building opposite Azakhana-e-Zehra. Counsel also submitted some photographs of the demolished walls.
Additional advocate-general Imran Khan, refuting the contentions, submitted that the demolished buildings or compound walls belonged to the private parties which were adjacent to the structures. The private parties had given consent after receiving compensation. Imran Khan assured the court that the government would not demolish or disturb any declared archeological structure or heritage structure.
The court recorded the submissions and directed the government and HMRL to file a detailed counter within four days and adjourned the matter to April 22.
