Chemical cleansing for Charminar

HYDERABAD: The Charminar will soon get a facelift as the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is set to chemically clean the micro-vegetation on the 420-year old historic structure.
Sources said that ASI will take up cleaning of the north-eastern minaret and the connecting walls of the clock areas.
According to superintending archaeologist-chemist V S Raghavendra Rao, gaseous substances along with suspended particulate matter in the air have reacted with the lime plaster."The micro-vegetation is a result of natural wear and tear. Water and pollen get absorbed into minute cracks, which is why we can see black deposit on the monument. We will also be using biocide to prevent recurrence of this vegetation. Conservation work can take time. We will be taking up cleaning in a phased," Rao said. The monument will also get a coat of water repellent after cleaning, he added.
ASI sources pointed out that erecting scaffolding on the western side, towards Charminar police station, and eastern side, towards the Jama Masjid, was an issue due to space constraints. "The base of the monument is wide and it tapers towards the top. We are working on a method to efficiently erect scaffolding on these sides," said a source.
Meanwhile, superintending archaeologist R Krishnaiah said meetings with ministry of culture (MoC) were underway to finalize the modalities of allocating budget for various monuments in Hyderabad Circle. "There was a delay in getting funds but we have met the additional secretary of MoC. We expect funds to be released and work to be started in a couple of days," he said.