The Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) has floated a tender to build a multi-level underground parking facility at the Paigah Palace complex in Pattigadda area of the city. The ₹7.78 crore project is expected to be built within the palace grounds that houses the Devdi Iqbal ud Dowla or the Mardana Mahal built in 1890s. 

“How can they build something like that here. Where is the space? They want to build it under the gardens? Or under the fountain in the front? They have restored the palace and now they want to ruin it,” said Obaid ur Rahman, a Paigah scion, who lives on the other side of the palace. “In Europe, people park their vehicles and walk up to the heritage sites like churches and monasteries. Why cannot our people do that?” said Mr. Rahman worried about how the plan will be executed. Incidentally, a flyover is set to built on the other side of the road in front of the palace where Mr. Rahman lives.

HMDA’s rules

The palace stands in a 5-acre leafy enclave and is a Schedule IIB listed heritage site according to the HMDA’s own rules that require intelligent conservation. “They are local landmarks, contributing to the image and identity of the city,” says the rulebook that dates from 1995 by the Hyderabad Urban Development Authority the predecessor of HMDA. The only concession to the heritage value of the property is the tender document’s condition for bidders: “Of the total similar work required, 25% of the value (i.e., ₹1.95 cr) must be furnished from the renovation/construction of heritage structures only.”

Use of explosives expected

However, despite the proximity of the proposed parking lot to the nineteenth century heritage palace, the tender document expects the use of explosives for carrying out the work. “The contractor shall engage licensed blaster for blasting operation. The contractor is to act in accordance with Indian Explosive Act and other rules prevailing, during the execution of work. It is the responsibility of the contractor to see, that works by other agencies in the vicinity are not hampered,” according to the tender document. What this blasting might do to the palace structure, that is mostly built with limestone and rock, would be for engineers to factor in. 

The palace was the office of HUDA and later the US Consulate. It reverted to the custody of the State government after the US Consulate moved out to the Nanakramguda facility in 2023. Now, it is set to become the HMDA’s office. According to officials, the current offices of HMDA near Ameerpet are set to move to the Paigah Palace. Currently, the HMDA offices are housed at the Swarna Jayanti Complex which is an eight-storied facility spread over 3.2 acre land parcel in Ameerpet. How these dozens of officers, their attendant staff and their fleets of cars will be accommodated in Paigah Palace and its annexe buildings in the rear will be another challenge.

The tender of the project has a six-month deadline for the completion of the project.