Road being widened amid resentment

Hyderabad: The important heritage street, the Hussainialam Road to Doodhbowli, which includes landmarks like Button Factory, Hussainialam ashoorkhana, Jamia Nizamia, is now being widened.

The GHMC had proposed to widen up the road following demands from public representatives years ago but could not go ahead following resentment from several quarters including heritage lovers.

The work started after officials persuaded locals. An official from the town planning department said property owners were coming forward to part with their properties. The government is paying compensation and has speeded up giving permission for new constructions.

Many felt that the historic stretch should be preserved as is done in other cities to give a glimpse into the past. “It is one of the few old streets remaining in the southern part of the city. It is dominated by several houses constructed in the Indo-European styles which are fine examples of the vernacular architecture,” said historian P. Anuradha Reddy. The stretch connects the Hussainialam Road with Kalapather, Misrigunj, Tadban and other new extensions.