Hyderabad’s neglected Rani Bagh to get a facelift

After decades of neglect, plans are finally in place to give Hyderabad's largest recreational facility, the Rani Bagh, a face lift in the form of comprehensive restoration and beautification works.

The district administration, Qasimabad municipal committee (QMC) and Shaheed Allah Buksh Soomro University of Art, Design and Heritage, Jamshoro, signed a memorandum of understanding at the Bagh on Friday, to set the desired plans in motion. The QMC administrator and varsity registrar signed off on the 10-year agreement, which may be extended.

The Bagh, spread over 53 acres, was originally established as a botanical garden in 1861, with the 'Rani' in its name referring to Queen Victoria. It is to undergo soft and hard landscaping.

As part of the agreement, the QMC, through the varsity and district administration, will coordinate the park's rehabilitation, upgradation, maintenance and smooth operation via specified measures.

Though the MoU does not list measures for improving the derelict zoo, a petition filed recently in the Sindh High Court has taken up the matter.

The project's budget and timeframe have yet to be finalised, but the cost is expected to run into tens of millions of rupees. The funds will be generated through the QMC's allocation from the octroi zila tax, a special development package from the local government, subletting the funland, zoo, theatre and cafeterias, and income from tickets and parking.

For its part, the university will assess existing design and planning shortcomings, propose short-term design solutions for the existing masterplan, and design the park's rehabilitation. It will also suggest mid-term and long-term upgradation projects.

"We will carry out the work in phases, depending on funds and finances, starting with maintenance and cleaning first," a varsity official told The Express Tribune, expressing hope the improvements would be visible by spring. "The idea is not to undertake major work once and then leave it to deteriorate again. We want to do it more sustainably."

Published in The Express Tribune, November 22^nd, 2020.