Hyderabad: As monsoon is slowly picking up pace in Hyderabad, residents and heritage activists in the Old City are sounding alarm over the deteriorating condition of several lesser-known historical monuments, warning that many have become a serious public safety hazard.From crumbling kamans and neglected ashoorkhanas to decaying tombs and arches dating back to the Qutb Shahi and Nizam eras, activists say years of neglect, unchecked vegetation growth and lack of restoration have left many structures vulnerable to collapse during heavy rains.
A view of the historic Julu Khana Kaman near Charminar, Hyderabad
Among the structures flagged are the centuries-old Alawa-e-Sartouq at Darulshifa, Hussaini Alam AshoorKhana inside Golconda Fort, AshoorKhana Makki Naal Sahab in Karwan, Shaikh Faiz Kaman at Dabeerpura, Aliabad Serai, Julu Khana Kaman near Charminar, Champapet Kaman and the twin tombs of Mir Qutubuddin Niamatullahi and Shah Sharif Shahristani at Mughalpura.Historian and heritage activist Mubashir Khan said several monuments across the city are in an alarming state of decay.“For instance, Hussaini Alam Ashoorkhana, constructed in 1592 during the reign of Sultan Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, is among the oldest functional ashoorkhanas in the city but now faces severe structural deterioration. The plaster has peeled off extensively, exposing the stones to harsh weather. Though temporary roof repairs were carried out before Muharram, the monument urgently requires scientific restoration,” he said.Residents living near these structures say the danger has become part of their daily lives.“During rains, stones, plaster and tiles frequently come loose from these structures. Many of them are located in densely populated localities with constant pedestrian movement, making them a major risk to public safety,” said Mohammed Sameer, who stays near Machli Kaman in Old City.He added: “Last monsoon, a chunk of plaster fell barely a few feet away from two schoolchildren near the arch. If someone had been standing there for even a second longer, it could have turned fatal.”Another resident from Karwan, Shabana Begum, said water seepage and vegetation growth have severely weakened old structures in the area. “Every time it rains heavily, we hear cracking sounds from the walls and roofs. We keep warning children not to play near these buildings because loose stones fall without warning,” she said.A shopkeeper near Dabeerpura Kaman said portions of decorative stucco have already collapsed in recent years.The state archeology department shared that they only carry out repairs for the monuments that are recognised by the state.However, activists shared that irrespective of documentation, heritage needs to be preserved. “Whether documented or not, these monuments are part of Hyderabad’s layered history and someone needs to take the responsibility for them,” said Anuradha Reddy from INTACH Hyderabad.
