Corporates being roped in for restoration of step-wells in Telangana

HYDERABAD: Preserving, rejuvenating and maintaining culture or its symbols reflects the ethos of a place and its people.

Ever since the Telangana Rashtra Samithi Government took over the reins of the State, it has been working on multiple projects of "new-age vibrancy and old world charm" — a phrase often used by Municipal Administration Minister K T Rama Rao.

The Charminar pedestrianisation project stands top on the list.

Moazzam Jahi Market, the historic structure that stands tall amid the busy traffic junction, was rejuvenated at a cost of Rs. 15 crore. Special Chief Secretary Arvind Kumar is taking special interest in protecting the cultural embodiments in the City.

Restoration of step wells is another major project he has embarked upon. These structures are sure to boost tourism and accelerate the footfall of tourists.

Arvind Kumar tweeted on Sunday how the government is restoring all the step-wells.

The Aga Khan Trust for Culture in association with Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation(GHMC) and Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) is carrying out the works for the restoration of 'baolis' in Qutub Shah Heritage Park.

Kumar highlighted that the Aga Khan Trust for Culture was restoring six Baolis — namely Badi, Hamam, Bagh, Western, Idgah and Eastern — with combined capacity of 19.3 million litres at the Qutb Shahi Heritage Park in Hyderabad.

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So far, the government restored 18 wells in Hyderabad. Bapughat Stepwell, Baghwandas Bagh baoli, Naganna Bavi, Gacchibowli, Baram Bavi, Bansilalpet Stepwell, Shiva Bagh Baoli, Saidanima tomb near Tank Bund, Kokapet Stepell, Moazzam Jahi Market Stepwell, Badi Stepwell and Choutuppal Stepwell are the ones that were restored.

There are around 140 baolis including 60 in Hyderabad. The Municipal Administration and Urban Development (MAUD) Department has taken up the restoration of many baolis.

The HMDA renovated the historic Tank Bund Road and restored a great hangout place for the denizens of the city. There are many plans in the pipeline to make the Tank Bund more attractive and useful for people.

Asked whether the government is involving private parties in the activity, Arvind Kumar told Newstap: "Yes, corporates are being encouraged to adopt under CSR."