2500 million years old rocks plundered

Rajendranagar: The rock formations that date back to over 2,500 million years now are facing the danger of being completely wiped out as blasting is taking place for the last few days. The rocks are in and around the Hazrat Peeran Shah Wali Rahmatullah Alaihi near Narsingi.

Taking advantage of scrapping of Regulation 13, a stipulation of the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) which protected listed buildings and precincts, real estate big wigs are blasting the rocks. The rock precincts were once listed as Item No 8 in GO 68, 2009 that stipulated no construction was allowed within 100 metres from the dargah.

“Peeran Shah Dargah and Peeram Cheruvu with the adjoining Deccan Rock formations is one of the most pristine and beautiful areas of Hyderabad. It is a bio-diversity hot-spot with thriving birdlide including peacocks hopping over from the nearby Mrigavani National Park. However, indiscriminate breaking of rocks is gradually destroying the peaceful atmosphere of the rocky area and 400 year old religious shrine,” says Sangeeta Varma, treasurer, Society to Save Rocks.

Developers are blasting rocks to make pathways for plotting. Locals say that the path to the mosque would be cut off from all sides. Ali of Great Hyderabad Adventure Club said, “Even if there is ownership of land, rocks have heritage protection. These rocks are unique to the region and have great potential to attract tourists.”

Sangeeta says, “Development and ecological balance can happen provided everyone is taken into confidence. There are several hillocks that are unique should be protected.”