STANDING TALL: The Charminar stands out in this crowded locality of the Old City. Apart from the pedestrianisation project taken up here, the MCH plans to add several other elements of conservation to preserve the glory of the ancient monument

Battery Operated Vehicles To Be Purchased, Bicycle Zones To Be Created

Hyderabad: With the Charminar pedestrianisation project (CPP) set to be completed by December, the Municipal Corporation of Hyderabad (MCH) is gearing up to put other elements of the conservation project in place. It has proposed to purchase battery-operated three-wheelers, create bicycle and two-wheeler zones and construct sidewalks around the Charminar to make it a pollution-free zone. Apart from that, the corporation is proposing to purchase 50 mini buses to provide connectivity to nearby MMTS stations.

These will be procured with Rs 18 crore under the Global Environment Facility (GEF) programme funded by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Hyderabad is among six cities selected by the Centre last week for the UNDP programme.

“UNDP will bear 40 per cent of the bill, while the central and state governments and MCH will pitch in with the rest,’’ MCH additional commissioner (traffic and transportation) N V S Reddy told ‘TOI’ on Sunday.

Of Rs 18 crore, UNDP’s share would be Rs 6 crore, the Centre’s Rs 2.17 crore, the state government’s Rs 93 lakh and the rest Rs 8.80 crore would be borne by the MCH.

UNDP supports several ‘green’ programmes across the world which aim to reduce emission levels and protect environment by encouraging non-motorised vehicles.

The CPP would make Charminar area free of pollution and conserve the heritage buildings there. As part of the conservation project, pedestrianisation and beautification of Charminar and Lad Bazar, restoration of Pattergatti facades, heritage walks (which were inaugurated in 1999) and a comprehensive signage system for Charminar precincts were taken up. The char kamans of Gulzar Houz are also undergoing restoration under this project. To restore the old charm of the Charminar area, large hoardings, posters, painted sign boards would be removed from the area.

The MCH has already started replacing overhead electrical and telephone wires with underground cables in that area. Road-widening works around the historic structure are nearing completion.

Once the CPP is completed only battery-operated buses and vehicles would be allowed near Charminar.