A city is defined by its architecture, people and the way its residents respond to the space. A good living experience is defined by how these spaces are user-friendly. The most important key to bring a city to life are the heritage buildings inherited.
Just like the "Once upon a time" stories of our parents and our childhood, these structures are physical symbols of our memories. Our prized possessions of our city, where we grew up, our memories which is like a magical thread connecting us to the city making it "MY". These places, buildings, monuments, festivals, culture, language, food, space, crowds and the mere words creates a collective memory which will start up a conversations between two strangers in the most unlikely of the spaces.
This conservation always starts with "My Hyderabad which I take pride in". Being "Hyderabadi" is who I am and all the buildings of stone and R.C.C with Islamic, Hindu and Modern architecture holds the memories of my childhood. The first visit to the Charminar on a starry night, the squeals in Golconda and the Science museum, the wonder of seeing Osmania University, Assembly building and The tank bund are just a tip of the iceberg. These places hold so many memories to the city bringing a new meaning to the place.
This apart, coming from an architectural background, I understand that while considering the value of a property, many factors such as land value, economy and urban growth play a vital role. However, is it fair to apply these factors to heritage structures. One and only important factor to be considered is the value of the structure through time and its connection with the citizens. Barring the city of all these structures creates a concrete jungle which has least to none meaning to its residents like a blank slate. Our Hyderabad city is now being made into a blank slate.
For instance, the old secretariat building is the only structure constructed by the nizam rulers in european architecture style. It housed nizam rulers before Independence and many chief ministers until today. A building, guarded with big iron gates like guarding the royalties. As the state progressed into democracy, the building aged. However, Alas! we didn't have time to care, to repair, to protect. In our rush to develop, we let this heritage structure to shamble. With leaking roofs, falling walls, and unused rooms, it is forgotten. Until today, when our government decided to demolish the structure and rebuild a brand new structure. Demolish as if it never existed.
Oh! is your blood boiling? Wait! there is so much more to come. The action of destruction just started. Now, it's turn to demolish our very own jewel of Nizam structure "The Osmania General Hospital". The iconic OGH building is over 150 years old and is considered a heritage structure. The last Nizam of Hyderabad Osman Ali Khan had commissioned the hospital, built on 26.5 acres of land abutting the river Musi and it was designed by British architect Vincent Jerome Esch. The three-storey building was completed in 1925 and is regarded as a classic example of Indo-Saracenic style of architecture with the third floor having Jack Arch roof. The building has a grand dome on its central tower with smaller cupolas and domed pavilions on its corners and stairwells.
The building was listed as state heritage structure by INTACH (Indian national trust for art and cultural heritage) and various restoration works were conducted along the way. Many heritage enthusiasts have risen their voices and signed petitions to protect the building saying that the structure can still be saved. But, what is the use of an old dying building? The GHMC is adamant in proclaiming that hospitals should be hygienic. But, who says an old dying building cannot be restored? Is it an unknown pandora box? Many such dying structures are restored and used along the globe and in various parts of the country. So, our thought should not be of demolition but that of restoration.
Apart from what the government bodies decide on, is it not our responsibility too to protect these structures? We should be aware of our city's heritage and actively voice our opinions through social media or through petitions. Most importantly, we should show these structures to our younger generation so that they will respect our history and pass it along. Let's join our hands to protect what is rightfully ours.
#heritagematters#hyderabadheritage
That's true instead of conservation and restoration goverments and big builder's are destroying our own culture, we should indeed raise our voice.