(a) The amount allotted and released for the maintenance and upkeep of Charminar in Hyderabad during each of the last three years;
(b) Whether Charminar is fully protected from constant vibrations caused by vehicular traffic and pollution;
(c) If so, the details thereof; and
(d) If not, the corrective steps taken/being taken in this regard?
MINISTER FOR TOURISM AND CULTURE (SMT. AMBIKA SONI)
(a) The funds allotted / released and the expenditure incurred on maintenance
and upkeep of Charminar in Hyderabad during last three years is at Annexure – I.
(b) to (d) To ascertain the effect of vibrations caused by vehicular traffic
and the effect of pollution on the monument the National Geophysical Research
Institute (NGRI), Hyderabad was engaged by the Archaeological Survey of India.
The NGRI carried out studies on the magnitude of the noise and vibrations emitted
due to vehicular motion around Charminar on different occasions and the effect at
different levels of the structure. Based on the recommendations of NGRI, requisite
structural repairs and development works have been implemented. The Government
of Andhra Pradesh has been requested to consider the possibilities of diverting the vehicular traffic and convert it into a complete pedestrian zone.
The exhaust from vehicles has deteriorated the exterior lime plaster of Charminar by
depositing soot and tarry matter which is regularly removed by the Chemical Branch
of Archaeological Survey of India. Besides the levels of suspended particulate matter
in the ambient air at Charminar is regularly monitored.
Annexure- I
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (a) OF THE UNSTARRED
QUESTION NO. 1226 FOR 3.8.2006 REGARDING EXPENDITURE ON
MAINTENANCE OF CHARMINAR.
Statement showing the funds allotted / released and the expenditure incurred
on maintenance and upkeep of Charminar, Hyderabad during last three years
(Amount in Rupees)
Year Funds allotted / Expenditure released 2003-04 23,25,000 13,36,312 2004-05 17,00,000 16,94,399 2005-06 8,07,600 5,75,491