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REGAINING ITS CHARM - CHARMINAR
|
 Measures
have been on the fast track to restore Charminar,
the historic landmark of Hyderabad. Officials
started tedious exercises with maps, sketches and
blueprints to restore this living example of past
glory. The Tourism Department in association
with Vastu Shilpa has designed a slide presentation
to show the restoration process.
Vastu Shilpa, a designing company, is determined
to work with the existing situation, taking care
of the traffic, conservation, physical environment
and local economy. "It should not be just
a cosmetic change but ultimately benefit the people
living here," says Rajeev, representative
of Vastu Shilpa. The beautification of
Lad Bazaar (near Charminar) and its surrounding
areas of Nayapul and Mecca Masjid
aims at retaining the old generation's charm and
the essential trade of the area. To begin with,
it has been decided not to allow any widening of
the Lad Bazaar road. The entire street would be
given a new look, with granite cobbles, water fountains
and kiosks for shade. Arches made in Qutub Shahi
style will be erected at regular intervals to
provide shade to shoppers. The arches can be opened
or closed as per the requirement.
All the electric poles, letter boxes and telephone
booths will be installed on the footpaths. As the
criss-crossing of electric and telephone cables
and huge signboards give an ugly look to the fine
lattice work on the Pattharghatti Arcade, they
are proposed to be laid underground. The world class
street furniture with lighting are provided for
the benefit of both visitors and shop-keepers. Utilities
like drinking water, toilets and help desk will
also form part of the new-look of Lad Bazaar.
"Signages in three languages - Telugu, Urdu
and English - will be inscribed on granite stones.
The whole plan has been discussed with the local
MPs, MLAs, NGOs and residents and they all endorsed
it," Rajeev said.
Hope the day will come soon when the fabulous Charminar
once again looks beautifully old and charming. |
 -
Krishna Chaitanya Karanam |
3:04:25 PM 
