Historians want Errum Manzil to be restored to original glory
Structural engineers suggest there is no need to demolish heritage site
Stating that Errum Manzil, a palace standing atop a hillock on the Khairatabad-panjagutta road, was an important heritage structure, many historians, heritage lovers and activists urged the state government to restore it to its former glory, while structural engineers ruled out the need to demolish and refurbish it as it was “structurally stable”. According to the Building Structural Condition Assessment report prepared by structural engineers and heritage conservators, Errum Manzil's foundation and other parameters were structurally “fit”.
The report has been jointly prepared by P.
Anuradha Reddy from the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (Intach), S.P. Anchuri, a structural consultant and P. Naga Praveen, architect.
The report states that Errum Manzil, originally known as Iram Manzil was an important heritage asset that can be made structurally sound after
rehabilitation, repairs and partial reconstruction following a thorough scientific analysis. “The building has a substantial architectural and historical value. This has been constructed with load-bearing walls in stone for foundation and red burnt bricks for walls on the ground and first floor using lime mortar,”
Anchuri told Deccan Chronicle. He lauded Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy for rejuvenating Musi and said that the state government should likewise preserve structures like Errum Manzil that have historical significance. Harish Daga, an activist from the city, said that the present condition of the building was a result of utter neglect by the BRS government. “It was only after heritage lovers protested and approached the court that the government had dropped its plan to demolish the structure. They wanted to demolish it for a new Legislative Assembly building in its place,” he said. Errum Manzil was built around 1870 by Nawab Safdar Jung Musheer-ud-daula Fakhrul Mulk. This mansion is located atop a hillock known as Red Hill hence the name Iram Manzil, which in Persian translates to Paradise Mansion. It was used for royal banquets and other grand events. Later, the palace was taken over by the government for use as a records store house. After some years it was transferred to the public works department.