A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed before the Telangana High Court has sought intervention to halt Metro Rail construction activities in heritage sensitive areas of Hyderabad’s Old City, citing concerns over the possible impact on historic structures and heritage precincts.
The petition relates to Hyderabad Metro Rail Phase-II, particularly Corridor-VI, which is planned to connect the Old City with other parts of Hyderabad. The petitioner, Act Public Welfare Foundation (APWF), has raised concerns regarding the proposed alignment and its proximity to several historically and culturally significant sites.
The petitioner has sought an independent Heritage Impact Assessment to determine whether the proposed Metro works could affect heritage structures or their surrounding precincts. It has also urged authorities to ensure compliance with heritage protection regulations before proceeding with construction in sensitive areas.
Several heritage locations have been cited in connection with the petition, including Purani Haveli, Azakhana-E-Zehra, Jama Masjid, Darulshifa and Moghalpura Tomb, besides the notified heritage precincts around Charminar and Falaknuma.
The Telangana High Court has sought detailed information from the state government and Hyderabad Airport Metro Limited (HAML) regarding the proposed alignment, construction activities and the project’s proximity to heritage structures.
The petitioners have argued that construction in heritage sensitive areas should be reviewed until the potential impact on historic structures is properly assessed. They have also called for greater transparency regarding the alignment and heritage related permissions.
On the other hand, the government and Metro authorities have maintained that necessary precautions are being taken and that protected heritage structures will not be damaged or demolished because of the Metro project.
The legal proceedings have brought renewed attention to the challenge of expanding Hyderabad’s public transport infrastructure while preserving the city’s historic identity. The Old City contains several centuries old monuments, religious structures and heritage buildings, making the protection of these sites a key concern during infrastructure development.
The matter remains before the Telangana High Court, which is examining the concerns raised in the PIL and the responses of the government and Metro authorities.
Important: The PIL should not be reported as a blanket court order cancelling or stopping the entire Old City Metro project. The petition seeks judicial intervention over construction in heritage sensitive areas, while the court is examining the issues raised by the petitioners.
