Hyderabad, Aug 4: Construction of a new building of Osmania Hospital, a hanging bridge on the historic Mir Alam Tank and further improvement of markets around Charminar are among key announcements made by Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy for development of the old city of Hyderabad.
Ending the uncertainty over the fate of more than 100-year-old Osmania Hospital, the Chief Minister said while the existing building, which is part of Hyderabad’s heritage, will be preserved, a new building for the famous government-run hospital will be built on the land of Goshamahal Stadium and police quarters.
He announced in the state Assembly that within 20 days orders for construction of a new building of the hospital on 30 acres will be issued and the foundation stone for the same would be laid.
There have been demands for several years to build a new building for Osmania Hospital, which is the oldest and one of the biggest government-run hospitals in Telangana.
Historians, heritage conservationists, and concerned citizens had opposed the government’s plans to demolish the existing building constructed during the Asaf Jahi period. They had approached the court seeking orders to preserve the heritage building.
Revanth Reddy assured AIMIM floor leader Akbaruddin Owaisi that the government will protect the heritage structures in the city.
He said he would not make tall claims like the previous government of BRS to develop old city like Istanbul, New York, and London but would make every effort to provide the best amenities.
The Chief Minister said a detailed project report on building a hanging bridge on Mir Alam Tank will be prepared in 20 days. He promised that this bridge would be built on the lines of the London bridge.
Reiterating his government’s commitment to provide Metro Rail connectivity to the old city, he said widening of roads will be taken up.
Stating that Qutb Shahi and Asaf Jahi rulers developed Hyderabad with a vision for 400 years, he said the Congress government was preparing the 2050 Mega Master Plan for comprehensive development of the city to cater to people’s needs for centuries.
Terming old city as the original city, he observed that Charminar reflects the culture of the city. He assured the Assembly that markets around Charminar would be further developed.
Revanth Reddy said the government would not only preserve the heritage structures but would also protect lakes, tanks and other water bodies.
AIMIM leader Akbaruddin Owaisi urged the Congress government to generous in development of Hyderabad as the city is no less than a goldmine for Telangana.
He called for identifying historic and cultural places in the city and protecting them to attract tourists.
On the AIMIM leader’s appeal, the Chief Minister announced that shops and hotels will be allowed to remain open till 1 a.m. He said barring liquor shops and bars, all other businesses will be permitted till 1 a.m.
Akbaruddin Owaisi had raised concern over police forcing closure of shops and hotels at 10.30 p.m. saying this was leading to huge losses for businesses.
