French experts propose linking of Musi River with Charminar, extension of proposed tramway to Qutub Shahi Tombs

Hyderabad: Michele Larue-Charlus, Director of Urban Planning of Bordeaux Metropole made the suggestion to link the Musi river with Charminar as was done with the city centre in Bordeaux and the Garonne river. She was speaking at the ‘Indo-French workshop on Charminar Pedestrianisation Project and New Generation Tramway (NGT)’ at Administrative Staff College of India. “Walking around Charminar I realised that the river is spectacular. It is important to link Charminar to the river,” said Michele Larau-Charlus.

The workshop was being conducted on heritage buildings and their protection.
Mobility expert Etienne Lhomet suggested that the NGT, which is proposed to run between M J Market to Madina, be extended so as to connect the Qutub Shahi Tombs complex and Golconda.

The proposals were welcomed by Advisor to the Telangana government B V Papa Rao.

Officials from Bordeaux Metropole and Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation exchanged notes at the Indo-French Workshop on Charminar Pedestrianisation Project and New Generation Tramway. However Ali Taher of Archaeology Survey of India who was kept out of the loop, expressed resentment on not being consulted at all, claiming that ‘Charminar is a heritage precinct and we are a major stakeholder’.