The argument on whether to conserve the Osmania General Hospital building in Hyderabad, or to demolish and make way for a modern building is substantiated by the views of experts like conservation architect GSV Suryanarayana Murthy and Dr Putta Srinivas, former Superintendent of Osmania General Hospital

The building with its palatial structure and typical domes stands on a 26.5 acre plot on the banks of the river Musi and has been an important landmark with its typical motifs like domes, chajjas and Merlons (parapets in medieval architecture) in Hyderabad adding to its charm and glory.

The reason stated for the present move is said to be the danger posed to the life of the patients and staff by the dilapidated building which is in an utter state of disrepair thanks to the neglect of its maintenance over the years. Views have been expressed that the building will be replaced by a modern multi level structure to suit the times. While safety of the inhabitants is undoubtedly a question of paramount importance and shifting them to other places is not an unreasonable gesture, the very premise of bringing down a slice of history has become an unpalatable reality to many citizens proud of it unique heritage.

People are also grimacing at the penchant of the rulers to build skyscrapers and ugly glass and mortar structures that have charmed them during their many travels abroad. Their decision to ape everything that they see outside the state boundaries and their obliviousness to the beauty that surrounds them, to many is absurd and inexplicable. Eminent writer and historian William Dalrymple who has a great connection with this historic city has called the move insane.

“Hyderabad has the worst record in India for destruction of its Heritage. Everywhere else in the world there is a massive investment in museums and heritage but here the short sighted politicians want to destroy the very things they need to preserve,” he says. Statements by powerful people that they would not hesitate to bring the Charminar down if they discovered that it was structurally weak has strengthened Dalrymple’s observation and shocked activists, architects, historians, eminent Hyderabadis and all its citizens who find such statements insensitive and deplorable.