Hyderabad Old City Metro Rail Project: State Government assures safety of heritage sites

Informs High Court that adequate measures have been taken to ensure the safety of these structures

Hyderabad: Acting Chief Justice Sujoy Paul and Justice Renuka Yara of the Telangana High Court on Thursday addressed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) concerning the ongoing Hyderabad Metro Rail construction in the Old City.

The PIL, filed by the Act for Public Welfare Foundation, raised concerns about potential damage to historical structures due to the metro project.

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During the hearing, the Additional Advocate General Imran Khan, representing the State government, assured the Court that the Government is taking all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of heritage sites identified by the Archaeology Department.

The AAG explicitly stated that no historical buildings are being demolished as part of the metro construction and that land acquisition and construction activities are being carried out without causing harm to these sites. The AAG requested the court for time to file a detailed counter-affidavit outlining the measures taken by the government.

Court made it clear that no work should be undertaken in the immediate vicinity of any historical sites recognised by the Archaeology Department until further notice.

The Bench directed the State Government to submit its response by April 22, 2025.