Hyderabad: A difference of opinion between the AIMIM party and Telangana Rashtra Samithi over conserving heritage buildings was clearly visible on Tuesday.
During the foundation stone laying ceremony at the Sardar Mahal building at Charminar, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief, and Hyderabad MP, Asaduddin Owaisi demanded the state government start the construction of a new building at Osmania General Hospital. He said, “I do not have love for old Osmania General Hospital building. If anyone conservationist is feeling bad it can’t be helped,” he said.
The MP explained that several economically disadvantaged families visit the hospital from Hyderabad and its surrounding districts to avail treatment. “There is an immediate need for it and as promised by chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao in the legislative assembly, the works should be taken up,” he said.
Minutes later minister for MA&UD, KT Rama Rao said that the government is keen on taking up various developments in the city. “We will preserve our heritage monuments and simultaneously take up a developmental activity,” said the minister.
He said that the state government took up major conservation works at the Moazam Jahi Market building and restored it.
“On Tuesday, conservation/ renovation works of three heritage works including Mir Alam Mandi, Sardar Mahal, and Mahboob Chowk building were taken up. All efforts are being made to preserve the 400-odd-year old heritage of the city and we will continue,” the minister affirmed.
He further said that there will be no bias when it comes to developing the older parts of the city. KT Rama Rao further said that the Sardar Mahal will be developed into a cultural center and will also have a museum and hotel.
He said that soon state health minister Harish Rao along with other officials concerned will visit the Osmania General Hospital and work out modalities for the construction of a new building.
