Hyderabad Heritage Landmark Raises Questions Over Civic Upkeep
A newly built heritage landmark at Masab Tank has drawn attention to Hyderabad’s approach to maintaining public assets after its three-faced clock stopped functioning within months of inauguration. The Burj was designed as a visible tribute to the city’s municipal history and Deccan architectural traditions, but its early malfunction has raised wider questions about maintenance planning and accountability after civic projects are completed.
The Burj was inaugurated on December 31, 2025, to commemorate 157 years of municipal administration in Hyderabad, dating back to 1869. Designed for the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), the structure combines a contemporary interpretation of a Deccan bastion with traditional construction techniques. Earlier reports noted the use of lime mortar and compressed stabilised earth blocks. The landmark stands at a prominent and heavily used Masab Tank junction, giving it a high level of daily public visibility. Its three clock faces were intended to add a functional element to the architectural installation. With the hands now stationary, however, the project has become an example of the gap that can emerge between creating an urban asset and ensuring its continued operation. The designer has indicated that the structure was handed over to GHMC shortly after completion, with subsequent requirements including power supply, cleaning and routine upkeep becoming the responsibility of civic authorities. The municipal commissioner has said efforts are being made to address the malfunction.
The episode highlights an issue that extends beyond one clock tower. As Hyderabad invests in public spaces, streetscape improvements and heritage-oriented infrastructure, maintenance needs to be considered alongside construction from the beginning. Electrical systems, cleaning, inspections, repairs and protection from damage all require clear ownership and recurring budgets. This is particularly important for projects that use traditional or environmentally conscious construction methods. The Burj incorporates lime-based construction and compressed stabilised earth blocks, linking contemporary urban development with local building traditions. Such materials can support lower-impact construction, but their long-term performance still depends on appropriate inspection and maintenance. Hyderabad already has a wider history of maintaining heritage clock towers. GHMC’s budget documents have identified heritage conservation and maintenance as areas of municipal spending, including restoration work on historic clock towers and other structures. Telangana Tourism also describes Hyderabad’s clock towers as important cultural landmarks that connect the city’s historical and architectural identity with contemporary urban life.
For the Masab Tank Burj, restoring the clock would address the immediate problem. The larger lesson is about lifecycle management. Hyderabad heritage landmark projects can contribute to civic identity and placemaking, but their value depends on remaining functional and well maintained long after inauguration. As the city continues to invest in public infrastructure, maintenance contracts, responsibility frameworks and long-term operating budgets will need to be treated as integral parts of project planning rather than afterthoughts.
