Hyderabad News: Officials from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) arrived at the iconic Charminar on Thursday evening after a section of its northeast minaret was dislodged during heavy rainfall. This incident has sparked worries regarding the preservation of the 16th-century monument.
MLA Mir Zulfiqar Ali, representing the Charminar constituency and a member of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), stated that a small portion of stones and mortar fell off the minaret amid the downpour. “Fortunately, no one was underneath the minaret at the time of the incident. ASI officials have assured me that the structure is not under immediate threat and that repairs will commence soon,” he remarked. Ali, along with other heritage conservation advocates, has previously voiced concerns about the monument’s protection.
An ASI representative confirmed they are currently evaluating the damage. “While a small part of the minaret was dislodged during the heavy rain, we do not believe the entire structure is at risk,” the official stated. This incident follows a similar occurrence in May 2019, when tiles from the southwest minaret also fell during a rainstorm, prompting repairs by ASI.
Hyderabad Weather
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that Hyderabad and surrounding areas experienced intense thunderstorms accompanied by strong winds on Thursday. This sudden change in weather provided some relief from the recent heatwave, which had seen temperatures soar to about 35 degrees Celsius, a drop of around 4 degrees following the rain.
CM Revanth Reddy Issues Guidelines
In light of the heavy downpour, Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has directed local authorities to remain vigilant. He has called for immediate relief measures to ensure that residents do not suffer due to the adverse weather conditions. Reports indicated flooding in low-lying areas due to the intense rainfall.
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The Chief Minister has tasked Chief Secretary Santhi Kumari with overseeing the situation regularly and implementing necessary measures to assist those affected in low-lying regions. He also instructed the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), police, and the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency to coordinate efforts to prevent waterlogging, traffic congestion, and power outages.
Additionally, energy department officials were ordered to promptly resolve any power supply issues. CM Reddy has urged various departments to collaborate effectively to facilitate relief efforts in flooded areas.
