Rama Rao said six stepwells in the Qutb Shahi Mausoleum were also restored in collaboration with the Aga Khan Foundation, an effort recognized by UNESCO
Post Date – 11:08 PM, Monday – Dec 5 22
MA&UD Minister KT Rama Rao inaugurated Bansilalpet stepwell on Monday for renovation
Hyderabad: Municipal Administration and Urban Development Minister KT Rama Rao said here on Monday that the Telangana state government will make every effort to bring the UNESCO World Heritage City label to Hyderabad.
After the completion of the 17th-century Bansilalpet stepwell, it was restored to its original splendor decades later thanks to a dedicated restoration project by the government, said Rama Rao, in partnership with the Aga Khan Foundation, Qut Shahi Mausoleum The six stepwells in the building have also been restored. Recognized by UNESCO.
He said Moazzam Jahi Market, Murgi Chowk, Mir Alam Mandi, National Central Library, Shaikpet Sarai, Khursheed Jah Devdi were restored under the leadership of Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao. “A city is not just a few concrete structures, a few steel bridges, a few buildings, overpasses or underpasses. The soul of a city lies in its culture, heritage and beautiful monuments. Unfortunately, for centuries we have not been able to protect them,” the minister said.
Restoring the Bansilalpet stepwell was no easy task. “A total of 3,900 metric tons of waste were removed from this stepwell and transferred in 863 truck hauls,” he said. To ensure that this historic stepwell is also cherished for future generations, a museum, cafeteria and amphitheater were built here.
The Minister pointed out that, apart from other stakeholders, GHMC sanitation workers have put in a lot of effort and that the responsibility to protect the stepwells from now on lies with the locals in the area.
Members of the Gandipet Welfare Society (GWS) and The Rainwater Project, a social enterprise led by Kalpana Ramesh, also played an important role in the revitalization of the water body, thanks to the Minister for his encouragement throughout the journey.
Minister of Livestock T Srinivas Yadav, MA&UD Special Principal Secretary Arvind Kumar, Mayor G Vijaya Laxmi and others attended the opening ceremony.
The cultural program takes place in the illuminated stepwell and also showcases Lord Ganesha’s small idol, Shivling and other items found while clearing the stepwell of debris and silt.
Stepwell facelift at Osmania University
A stepwell at Osmania University will join similar facilities that have been restored.
A student at the university drew the attention of MA&UD Minister KT Rama Rao to the condition of the stepwell at the University’s Faculty of Education and suggested remedial measures.
In response, the Minister directed MA&UD Special Principal Secretary Arvind Kumar to restore the stepwell. Arvind Kumar responded that the restoration project would be carried out in consultation with the vice-chancellor of the university.
