Hyderabad: Bollards work resumes at Charminar

Charminar: In order to completely discourage motorists and hawkers from entering the exclusive pedestrian zone, the civic authorities after a long pause once again began hydraulic bollards works.

The project of installing hydraulic bollards in the surrounding of Charminar (as part of Charminar Pedestrianisation Project) started after almost a pause of 14 months. This time, the works began on the Mecca Masjid side in Panjesha.

In order to prevent vehicles from getting too close to the heritage monument Charminar, the project was started in 2018 with an estimated cost of Rs 35 crore. The first phase of project near Gulzar Houz was completed in July 2019. The second phase near Lad Bazar was also completed. The third phase of work began last week and the fourth phase near Sardar Mahal is yet to commence.

According to official source, the works which should have been completed within a year of commencement are being delayed as there is no project In-charge and the one who was taking care of the project got transferred.

Speaking about the 4th phase near Sardar Mahal, a source said that residents demanded change in plan and asked the officials to leave their lane (galli). The residents have alleged that they would face hardships, especially in case of emergency. With the representation of residents along with area MLA, the authorities changed the plan and the works would be started after the completion of third phase.

"Several works taken up during lockdown were completed, but the authorities have delayed the works of installing bollards near the Charminar. If the works had been done, all four sides of monument would have been safe from vehicular movement," said Syed Akbar, owner of a readymade garments shop.

"The works have been resumed. The road was dug-up and no complications were observed. A dead cable of 11kv was found and was also removed by the electricity department. The entire work would be completed in a month," said an officer deployed near the ongoing works.