Hyderabad: The iconic clock tower in Secunderabad, which had long been neglected, with its four-faced quartz analogue solar tower clock displaying inconsistent times, varying by 5 to 10 minutes from the standard time, is now set to be revived.Accordingly, the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) has decided to engage an agency to undertake an annual maintenance contract for the clock tower system, ensuring it functions reliably, remains visually presentable, and continues to serve the public without interruption.The appointed agency will have to ensure the continuous and accurate operation of the heritage clock mechanism and its associated components through preventive maintenance, timely repairs, and responsible component replacement, without compromising the architectural or historical integrity of the structure.According to GHMC, diaphragm units on all four sides will be replaced to restore clear audio chimes, without altering the mounting structure or aesthetic appearance. “The upkeep of this historic clock will be carried out with the utmost care, using sensitive and reversible maintenance techniques that preserve its structural and aesthetic integrity. All interventions will utilise non-invasive techniques to protect the structural features of the heritage block,” said a senior GHMC official.As part of the clock restoration, solar-compatible backup batteries will be replaced to ensure uninterrupted operation during periods of low sunlight. A full mechanical servicing and recalibration of all four clock movements, including lubrication, synchronisation, and cleaning, will also be undertaken.Officials added that the designated agency will conduct monthly inspections and calibration of the clock mechanism, functional testing of solar panels, batteries, lights, and chimes, cleaning of the external clock faces and internal compartments, as well as maintenance of supporting electrical and electronic systems.In the past, Hyderabad’s municipal corporation had proposed demolishing the 120-foot-tall clock tower in 2003 to accommodate increasing traffic. Constructed in the 19th century and declared a heritage structure by the Hyderabad Urban Development Authority, the Secunderabad clock tower stands as a cultural symbol of the city’s colonial-era history and architectural legacy.
