Monumental confusion in GHMC

HYDERABAD: With time fast running out for the beautification of the city, including its heritage monuments, ahead of the Conference of Parties, Convention on Biodiversity (CoP-11), there seems to be some confusion among all the stakeholders.The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) Mayor Mohd Majid Hussain on Tuesday said a resolution was adopted at the recent Standing Committee meeting assuring funding for the beautification of the heritage monuments.However, officials in the planning wing of the GHMC appeared hesitant about bearing the burden of responsibility.“We are only trying to improve access to heritage monuments. Those who maintain these monuments will be responsible for the beautification or illumination of the structures,”clarified K Dhananjaya Reddy, additional commissioner (planning), GHMC.When contacted, the Archeological Survey of India (ASI), which is in charge of maintenance of the monuments, said the proposal was still in the initial stages.“Recently, a meeting was convened by Tourism Secretary Chandana Khan and we (and the GHMC) discussed the issues. Conservation and beautification of these structures is not the responsibility of only the ASI, but also of other departments. We will work on improving the present state of these structures,” said Dr R Krishnaiah, Superintending Archaeologist, ASI - Hyderabad Circle.He also added that the funds had to come from the GHMC.“If GHMC provides us funds, we will go ahead with the process or we will have to look for private parties and agencies interested in conservation of these monuments like we do in regular cases,” he said.As for funding, the Mayor said estimates had been called for.“Once the process is completed, we will know about the allocation of funds,” he said and added that the conservation and beautification of all the heritage structures was the top priority prior to the convention.“It will be the best chance to promote our tourism with over 10,000 delegations from 190 countries expected to take part in the convention. GHMC will do all that it can to be ready for the convention,” he said.About the Charminar Pedestrianisation Project which has been delayed for years, he said, “The Charminar Pedestrianisation project will be completed before October”.