Hyderabad: Facelift for historic Nizam-era police buildings in old city
Quli Qutb Shah Urban Development Authority to restore 'Police Naka' and 'Police Thana' at Puranapul
Hyderabad: Two police buildings in the old city dating back to the 18th century will soon regain their original glory. The two buildings – Police Naka at Bahrupiya Galli, Puranapul, and the other – Police Thana on the Puranapul Road – will be restored and brought back to their original glory. During the Nizam rule, there were police naka (outpost), police thana (police station), and then other administrative buildings for higher officials.
The Quli Qutb Shah Urban Development Authority (QQSUDA), is taking care of the restoration works of both the buildings constructed during the Nizam era. Until recently, the police building at Bahrupiya Galli was used for keeping vehicles seized by the police. The place was cleaned up and the repair started on war footing last week.
The ‘Police Naka’ at Bahrupiya Galli in Puranapul. Photo: Surya Sridhar
“It is an 18th-century building constructed during the Nizam era. We came to know about the history of the building recently when officials came and inspected it. The residents are happy that the heritage value of the building was recognized,” said Pradeep Kumar, a resident.
The QQSUDA is overseeing the restoration works at the building. The contractor was asked to restore it using the material used while constructing it earlier to maintain its originality. The building was constructed using lime mortar and stone.
“Restoration work of the two police buildings — Puranapul naka and Puranapul than — is being taken up. The work at the Bahrupiya Galli building has already started and it, will soon commence at the other building,” said an official of QQSUDA.
Heritage activists appreciate the efforts of the State government and the Hyderabad Police in taking up the restoration of the old police buildings. The Commissioner of Police office building at Purani Haveli area is also being restored and will be inaugurated soon.
However, there are also demands that the old police naka at Darussalam, Gowlipura junction, and other places in the city and suburbs be restored too.
