Centuries-old arches near Charminar face collapse risk

Several historic arches near Charminar in Hyderabad, built during the Asafjahi era, are crumbling due to neglect. Locals fear collapse as weeds grow, cracks widen, and plaster peels off. They are urging authorities to restore these fading heritage structures

Hyderabad: Magnificent arches that once led to the palaces located on the southwest of Charminar are now crumbling and lying in a dilapidated state. These arches that are part of Hyderabad’s rich history and heritage, having withstood the vagaries of time, now demand immediate attention and restoration to prevent any mishap.

One can notice weeds protruding out of the Mohd Shukoor Kaman at Fateh Darwaza road and the Qutb e Alam Kaman, near the Khursheed Devdi, located on the way to heritage buildings in Old City. The apathy on part of the city administration and the citizens in preserving the architecture and heritage is pronounced from the condition of these arches.

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On the top surface of both arches, a carpet of grass has grown and cracks have developed in the structure. “During rains, small pieces of the motor lime plaster peel and fall off on the road. Don’t know when the entire structure will collapse,” said Mirza Naser, a local shopkeeper.

The structures were constructed to serve as gateways to the palaces located in the neighbourhood during the Asafjahi period. “There is no upkeep of the arches. Authorities have left it unattended so that it falls and the road can be widened,” alleged Omer Baig, a local resident of Khursheed Jah Devdi area.

On the Yakutpura road, the Shaik Faiz Kaman is facing a similar plight. The magnificent arch remains in a dilapidated condition, posing danger to the local residents passing on the road. “Previously, the authorities at least cleared the weeds and grass from the structure. Now no one turns up to clean it. We fear the arch will collapse soon,” complained Minhajuddin, a local resident. The locals demand the authorities concerned take up measures to restore the arches that recount the historic background of the city.