Hyderabad: The Hyderabad Metro Water Supply & Sewerage Board (HMWS&SB) has stopped the work on re-laying of the old sewage pipeline from Lad Bazaar to Moti Galli Crossing after officials of the Archaeological Survey of India raised objections.
This followed complaints that the contractor used an earthmover-powered pneumatic drill to tear the cobblestone flooring and reinforced concrete base on the Lad Bazaar stretch to reach the old pipeline buried five feet below ground.
Ghansi Bazar corporator Praveen Sultana said the decades-old eight-inch pipeline was damaged and it got frequently blocked and overflowed twice a week, causing difficulties to the residents and shopkeepers. The HMWS&SB has decided to replace it with an 18-inch pipeline to take the sewerage load.
The corporator claimed that, with the new 450-mm pipeline, the problem will be solved. Officials of the civic body have contacted the concerned authorities six months back and started the works, she said.
AIMIM leader Mohammed Gouse said ASI officials did not act on time when the civic body officials intimated them about the works six months ago. ASI sprang to action only after a news report appeared in the media. “Due to their objections, the drilling works have abruptly stopped last month”.
He said the Centre had amended the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act in 2017. “These amendments allow construction of public works within a 100-metre radius of a protected monument for public purposes. ASI officials should realise that the pipeline is being laid down in the interest of the public; and with this work, inside seepage will stop.”
Khader Mohiuddin, general manager, Charminar zone, of the HMWS&SB, confirmed that the works have been stopped, based on the objection raised by ASI, but he contended, “We will get an agreement signed with ASI and the works will be resumed shortly.”
