HYDERABAD: The recent rains have exposed the state government’s apathy towards conserving a heritage structure like Shifa Khana Unani (Government Nizamia General Hospital and Nizamia Tibbi College) sparking fears about its survival.
The college building is in a dilapidated condition. Nearly every wall is damaged and cracks have developed at many places and the plaster of ceilings has started peeling.
The college has a history that dates back to 1810 when it was started by an Afghan scholar, Sajida Begum Majid. Later, it was renovated and developed into a splendid structure in 1938 by the seventh Nizam, Mir Osman Ali Khan. However, despite it being a heritage structure, its preservation is being grossly neglected by the authorities.
Secretary Old Boys Association of the college Dr Zainulabedeen Khan claimed that it has become extremely unsafe to move inside the building as plaster keeps falling from the ceilings. The situation has remained the same for the past several years. Neither the department of AYUSH nor the state government is taking interest in restoring the heritage building to its former glory.
He said that the southern side of the structure is in bad condition and needs immediate attention. He complained that despite several reminders both authorities are not willing to focus on renovation and restoration of the structure.
