Residents fume at the choice of Old City metro route

The narrow road of 25-30 feet in width between Darulshifa and Miralam Mandi could be the centre of protests against the extension of Metro Rail from MGBS to Chandrayangutta, the works for which are all set to begin.

Deccan Heritage and Religious Protection Society, an organisation formed by the residents and other stakeholders on the road, demanded change of route for the Metro Rail, as the road is of immense religious significance for Shias, a notable sect of Islam Hyderabad is home to.

Representatives of the community said congregations of Shias are held along the road round the year and Metro Rail corridor will only disrupt the spiritual atmosphere. The road is also the procession path on the 10th day of Moharram, which is traditionally taken out on elephant back, attracting heavy crowds. It is one of the oldest parts of Hyderabad which used to have the residence of Hyderabad’s planner Mir Momin.

“No consultations were held with us. The proposal was presented to us as fait accompli. Why has this route been chosen when there are other available routes? It will be better if they plan it on the Salarjung Museum road,” said Wajid Ali Kamil, an advocate and member of the group.

“Situation should be handled in such a way that nobody approaches the courts of law, which would only result in delay of the project,” he said.

The society has addressed a letter to the Special Deputy Collector, Hyderabad Metro Rail, in which it is mentioned that buildings and precincts that are likely to be affected by the construction include 33 dargahs, 10 chillas, 21 mosques, 12 temples, and 12 Ashoorkhanas. Portions of Purani Haveli and Mir ka Daira which are protected under law as heritage and protected precincts too are among the affected properties, the letter said.

“We are extremely concerned that the construction of Metro Rail pillars and related excavation work will cause irreparable damage to these ancient monuments,” the letter said.

Structures of heritage and archaeological importance mentioned by the society include Aza Khana-e-Zehra, Niyaz Khana, old municipal office building of Darulshifa, Doodh Khana (which was originally Salar Jung’s property and presently housing maternity hospital and public clinic), ancient arch of Purani Haveli named Peeli Gate from where the Nizam’s royal family offers ‘Dhattis’ on Moharrum, Ashoorkhana Dam Dama, Darga-e-Ibne Khatoon, portion of Purani Haveli where the Princess Esin School and College of Nursing are housed, Deodi Inayat Jung, Ashoorkhana-Rajaz, Mandi Mir Alam, Darbar-e-Fatima, Lashkar Jung Mosque, Kotla Alijah Maisamma Temple and Mir ka Daira.

Claiming that this part of the city is heritage rich and has many unexplored archaeological remains, the letter said permission of the Greater Hyderabad Heritage Committee should be obtained for any construction on the road, which has not been done so far.

Representatives of the society also expressed concern about loss of livelihood for about 2,200 small businessmen and about 1000 houses which would be demolished.

Sarah Mathews, one of the members, demanded that the HMRL place the detailed project report and all the government orders before the local stakeholders, and hold consultations with them before going ahead with the project. She refuted the claims that the residents agreed to part with their properties for facilitating the project.