In a strategic move, the Telangana Government has opted to repurpose the historic Paigah Palace, originally intended as the chief minister’s camp office, by allocating it to accommodate the administrative offices of the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA).
This decision marks a significant shift in the utilisation of the majestic Chiran Fort lane palace situated in Begumpet, which was formerly under the jurisdiction of the US consulate until its relocation to Nanakramguda last year. The Municipal Administration Department has swiftly issued directives for the relocation of HMDA’s central offices, including its headquarters at Ameerpet, the Outer Ring Road office at Nanakramguda, the Hyderabad Growth Corridor office, Urban Forestry department, and the Buddha Purnima Project Authority to the Paigah Palace premises without delay. With ample space across the three buildings within the palace, the consolidation of all HMDA departments under one roof is deemed both pragmatic and operationally efficient.
The decision to return the palace to public service comes after a series of deliberations on its future utility, including proposals to establish a museum or transform it into a heritage hotel akin to Falaknuma Palace. “None of the proposals went ahead as the previous govt went into poll mode in middle of last year. Now, the Congress Government has decided to shift all offices here,” an official said. This strategic reallocation not only optimises resource utilisation but also enhances accessibility for stakeholders, given Paigah Palace’s central location in the heart of Hyderabad. The move underscores a commitment to leveraging heritage assets for modern administrative needs, while also preserving the rich architectural legacy of the region.
