Hyderabad: At a time when the Telangana govt is planning to conserve heritage structures along the Musi river and transform them into tourist attractions, the New York-based World Monuments Fund (WMF) has announced that several historic buildings along the river, such as the Telangana high court, State Central Library, British Library, and Osman General Hospital, have been included in the World Monuments Watch 2025.
The Musi river corridor in Hyderabad, which is rich in history, is currently facing significant challenges due to pollution. However, the WMF has highlighted that as the city embarks on its revitalisation efforts, heritage conservation can provide a sense of continuity and deliver multiple community benefits. Among the 25 sites listed on the Watch from 29 countries, two are located in India, including these Musi river-adjacent buildings. The WMF received over 200 nominations worldwide for consideration.
“Like many historic cities, Hyderabad was founded along a river, with the Musi once serving as a vital lifeline. Over time, however, the river has suffered from neglect, and with increasing water scarcity and ecological degradation, its restoration has become crucial,” said a statement from the World Monuments Watch India. The project aims to draw attention to revitalising Hyderabad’s historic core, reconnecting the city’s social, architectural, cultural, historical, and geographical elements.
Officials of the municipal administration department have identified nearly 12 heritage structures for conservation. Some like the British Residency and the state central library are already being developed by agencies such as GHMC, HMDA, and QQSUDA. Others are now being proposed for redevelopment under the Musi Riverfront Development Corporation Limited (MRDCL).
“The MRDCL will focus on the redevelopment of Musi bridges, the old MCH office at Sardar Mahal, Puranapul Darwaza at Hussaini Alam, Toli Masjid at Karwan, the Ayurvedic block of Nizamia Hospital at Charminar, Shahi Jilukhana at Laad Bazar, and step wells at Gudimalkapur, British Residency, and Salarjung Museum,” said an MRDCL official. The first phase of development will prioritise the Bapu Ghat area and Miralam Tank.
To support these efforts, the Telangana govt plans to engage private firms and corporates in the conservation of heritage sites, encouraging adaptive reuse. The WMF’s involvement offers a significant boost, as the Fund has identified several sites in the city and will help in their preservation and redevelopment.
So far, heritage conservation projects have been sanctioned for a dozen structures, with some already underway. Notable sites such as Saidanima Tomb, Shaikpet Sarai, State Central Library, and Sardar Mahal are in progress, while others like Victoria Memorial Home, CCLA building at Abids, Nizamia Observatory, and police outposts are yet to be developed.
In addition to the Telangana govt’s initiatives, the WMF’s inclusion of these sites on the 2025 Watch will raise global awareness and garner support for their preservation, officials said. Over the next two years, WMF will work with local teams to assess the needs of these sites and design strategies for their advocacy, preservation, and fundraising. The WMF has already allocated $2 million to fund preservation efforts, which will support local partners in areas such as research, education, planning, and physical conservation.
Through collaborative efforts, Hyderabad’s heritage sites along the Musi river can be safeguarded for future generations, enhancing the city’s cultural and historical landscape, a senior official said.
The Musi river corridor in Hyderabad, which is rich in history, is currently facing significant challenges due to pollution. However, the WMF has highlighted that as the city embarks on its revitalisation efforts, heritage conservation can provide a sense of continuity and deliver multiple community benefits. Among the 25 sites listed on the Watch from 29 countries, two are located in India, including these Musi river-adjacent buildings. The WMF received over 200 nominations worldwide for consideration.
“Like many historic cities, Hyderabad was founded along a river, with the Musi once serving as a vital lifeline. Over time, however, the river has suffered from neglect, and with increasing water scarcity and ecological degradation, its restoration has become crucial,” said a statement from the World Monuments Watch India. The project aims to draw attention to revitalising Hyderabad’s historic core, reconnecting the city’s social, architectural, cultural, historical, and geographical elements.
Officials of the municipal administration department have identified nearly 12 heritage structures for conservation. Some like the British Residency and the state central library are already being developed by agencies such as GHMC, HMDA, and QQSUDA. Others are now being proposed for redevelopment under the Musi Riverfront Development Corporation Limited (MRDCL).
“The MRDCL will focus on the redevelopment of Musi bridges, the old MCH office at Sardar Mahal, Puranapul Darwaza at Hussaini Alam, Toli Masjid at Karwan, the Ayurvedic block of Nizamia Hospital at Charminar, Shahi Jilukhana at Laad Bazar, and step wells at Gudimalkapur, British Residency, and Salarjung Museum,” said an MRDCL official. The first phase of development will prioritise the Bapu Ghat area and Miralam Tank.
To support these efforts, the Telangana govt plans to engage private firms and corporates in the conservation of heritage sites, encouraging adaptive reuse. The WMF’s involvement offers a significant boost, as the Fund has identified several sites in the city and will help in their preservation and redevelopment.
So far, heritage conservation projects have been sanctioned for a dozen structures, with some already underway. Notable sites such as Saidanima Tomb, Shaikpet Sarai, State Central Library, and Sardar Mahal are in progress, while others like Victoria Memorial Home, CCLA building at Abids, Nizamia Observatory, and police outposts are yet to be developed.
In addition to the Telangana govt’s initiatives, the WMF’s inclusion of these sites on the 2025 Watch will raise global awareness and garner support for their preservation, officials said. Over the next two years, WMF will work with local teams to assess the needs of these sites and design strategies for their advocacy, preservation, and fundraising. The WMF has already allocated $2 million to fund preservation efforts, which will support local partners in areas such as research, education, planning, and physical conservation.
Through collaborative efforts, Hyderabad’s heritage sites along the Musi river can be safeguarded for future generations, enhancing the city’s cultural and historical landscape, a senior official said.
