Charminar suffers damage

By K. Venkateshwarlu

HYDERABAD, JUNE 12. The 410- year-old Charminar, the city's most popular landmark, suffered a damage on Tuesday morning, when a small part of the south western minar, facing Mecca Masjid, fell off.

The shimmering quadrangular monument in limestone got soaked in heavy rain that lashed the city on Monday night, and this could have weakened some portions. This particular chunk fell down from the topmost storey of the minar, making a loud noise, scaring the passersby and the motorists. No one was injured but the mishap triggered off wild rumours in the city, of heavy damage.

There was no word from the Archaeological Survey of India, which takes care of the monument, but sources said the damaged portion was examined by an official team on Tuesday afternoon. But it definitely raised questions on its maintenance.

Built by the Qutub Shahi rulers at a site which was once a city centre, to ward off the deadly plague, Charminar, of late has been facing threat from continuous running of buses and other vehicles in close proximity. Studies have recorded vibrations in the structure owing to plying of vehicles that literally brush past the monument for most part of the day.

Notwithstanding frequent chemical treatment to its surface, the relentless automobile pollution has robbed off its typical golden yellow sheen. Black soot from the vehicles can be seen covering portions of the four minars. The entry to the monument has been barred, some years ago, following a chain of suicides.

In an effort to save the landmark, the State Government has drawn plans for pedestrianising the area, but it is a monumental task, involving diversion of heavy traffic on to lanes and bylanes.

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Section  : Southern States
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