Osmania University Arts College to get first-ever chemical restoration

Telangana plans chemical treatment for Osmania University’s Arts College building to restore its faded pink granite and remove stains. The heritage project, funded through CSR, aims to revive the historic structure’s original beauty after decades of wear and damage.

Hyderabad: In a bid to conserve and preserve the historic Osmania University Arts College building, a chemical treatment on the pinkish-hued granite has been proposed.

This is being planned to restore the past glory of the structure, which stood the test of time. The pinkish-hue colour on the granite faded over the past several decades. In addition, pan and gutka stains on the walls of the building have become an eyesore.

The proposed treatment by the Telangana Heritage department will address both the discolouration and surface stains, restoring the appeal of one of Telangana’s iconic buildings.

“We have proposed to undertake the chemical treatment on the Arts College building, which has lost its aesthetic over time. We are tapping funds from under the corporate social responsibility from the MNCs to commence the works, which will be first of its kind since the building inauguration,” Prof Arjun Rao Kuthadi, Director, Telangana Heritage department, told ”Telangana Today”.

In 2023, the University administration undertook major restoration works in the college, arresting the seepage of rainwater from the building’s rooftop that has now been completely sealed with the modern-age waterproofing system. Further, the interior walls were recently whitewashed and painted.

The Arts College building was constructed using pink-hued granite during the Nizam Era in 1930’s. The granite sourced from Nalgonda and surrounding areas was transported using bullock carts and rollers to the site. They were chiselled and dressed each block. Architecturally, the building structure represents a harmonious blend of the pillar and lintel style of Ajanta and Ellora, and arches are of Indo-Saracenic tradition.

The entire Osmania University master plan and design, including the Arts College, was prepared by a Belgian architect, Ernest Jasper. This plan was executed by Nawab Zain Yar Jung, an Indian architect, while Syed Ali Raza, an engineer, served as chief engineer of the Arts College project, which commenced on July 5, 1934, and building was launched on December 4, 1939.

In addition to the Arts College, the Heritage department has proposed to take up chemical treatment of Osmania University College of Engineering building, Botany and Zoology blocks.