Rama Krishna Sangem
Restoration of a heritage structure, Stepwell in Bansilalpet in Secunderabad, on December 5, Monday, added one more tourist attraction to Hyderabad city. Municipal Administration Minister KT Rama Rao (KTR) who threw open the Stepwell to public rightly said: “No other inauguration of many of schemes in the City has given this much of satisfaction as I get now”.
In fact, we must appreciate KTR for throwing his weight around this project of Rs 10 crore for over year to come true. Well done KTR! Municipal Special CS Arvind Kumar deserves special mention as he led the team of officials and experts to bring back this Stepwell to life. UNESCO recognized heritage restoration specialists Aga Khan Foundation has done this job of revival. Minister Talasani Srinivas Yadav too joined hands with them all.
What added beauty to the inaugural of this Stepwell is the cultural show performed by Deepika Reddy and her team. This shows the strength of the composite cultural heritage of Hyderabad as well as that of Telangana. ” Hyderabad city is not just concrete structures or flyovers, its soul lies in its culture and heritage. We have done our job of restoring this Stepwell, now it is job of local people to preserve and protect it,” said KTR.
Once a Garbage dump
This dilapidated Stepwell tucked in the by-lanes of Bansilalpet was a garbage dump, like most places in Hyderabad. Not many people, even locals don’t know its significance. The Stepwell believed to be of around 17th century, built in Kakakatiy kings style, is one of the 43 restoration projects taken by the Aga Khan Foundation in the city. Many city based bodies like GHMC, HMS&SWB, and HMDA were involved in the restoration works.
This tastefully decorated Stepwell now stores fresh water. This is bound to attract both local and outside tourists in the coming days. Hyderabad of late has been witnessing vertical and horizontal expansion while drawing global investments into different sectors of industry. There might be criticism that the government has neglected its rich cultural heritage and monuments. This revival of Stepwell, among others, is answer to such criticism.
