Hyderabad's Heritage Sites Make it to 2025 World Monuments Watchlist

Hyderabad: Hyderabad’s Musi River buildings including the Osmania General Hospital (OGH), High Court, and State Central Library, have earned a place on the 2025 World Monuments Watch.

The World Monuments Fund (WMF), based in New York, selected these structures from over 200 nominations worldwide, bringing global attention to the challenges they face due to environmental degradation, neglect, encroachment and urban expansion.

This recognition could give fresh momentum to the state government’s Musi Riverfront Development Project and Chief Minister Revanth Reddy’s vision of the city’s heritage.

The WMF described the Musi River corridor as a cultural anchor of Hyderabad, with its historic buildings reflecting the city’s evolution. “Landmarks like the Osmania General Hospital, City College, and the State Central Library represent Hyderabad’s civic and architectural history. These structures once connected neighbourhoods and markets, serving as shared spaces in urban life,” the WMF stated.

This listing owes much to the efforts of three Hyderabadis and WMF India Council members Shalini Bhupal and Xavier Augustin and conservation architect Anuradha Naik.

“When organisations like WMF back a project, it brings global credibility. It also starts local conversations and encourages people to care for their heritage, which is of utmost importance. WMF has been part of rebuilding projects like Angkor Wat and Notre Dame. Their expertise can change how Musi’s historic buildings are preserved,” Xavier Augustin told Deccan Chornicle.

He also spoke about his personal involvement in documenting the Musi. “This wasn’t part of my routine. I went to the river, captured its reality, and made sure it became part of a larger conversation. When the story of Hyderabad’s heritage is told, Musi has to be a part of it. People must realise the importance of stepping up to protect what matters.”

He hoped such efforts inspire others to contribute to safeguarding the city’s history and waterbodies.

The government has announced plans to incorporate the historic buildings along the river into cultural and tourist attractions. However, environmental issues like pollution and flooding add complexity to the conservation challenge. “Industrial expansion and flooding have worsened the river’s health, placing additional stress on its historic structures,” WMF noted.

“Conservation should not be just about painting over cracks. It’s about using the right techniques to retain the essence of a place. The Musi River’s history, and the life it once supported, deserve to be brought back in a meaningful way and this recognition will propel that, I believe,” added Xavier Augustin.

This recognition aligns with WMF’s previous efforts in Hyderabad, like the restoration of the British Residency, which was completed in 2023 and now functions as Telangana Mahila Viswavidyalayam. These projects also strengthen Telangana’s case for UNESCO World Heritage recognition and protection of other historic sites in the state.