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Naidu lifts traffic curbs
around Charminar

Mohammed Shafeeq in Hyderabad

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu's plan to protect the Charminar has come unstuck barely four days after the area around the monument was declared a no-traffic zone to save it from vibrations.

The chief minister ordered the removal of restrictions around the 16th century monument following a meeting with traders and legislators from the old city area and municipal and tourism officials.

The no-traffic plan around Charminar would remain suspended till alternate routes are ready.

Light vehicles would now begin plying in all directions and even beyond the monument whose foundations have literally been shaken by vibrations caused by heavy traffic in the area.

However, buses and other heavy vehicles would be diverted to a parallel road. Also, the Charminar bus station would be shifted to Falaknuma Palace, located some 3 km away.

Traders on both Charminar Road and the parallel Darulshifa road resorted to strikes and rallies in the past few days to protest against the traffic restrictions that, they claimed, were ruining their businesses and causing inconvenience to the public.

The no-traffic zone plan was also meant to decongest the area around Charminar to exploit its tourist potential. Authorities planned to beautify the area to attract tourists but they would have wait for now.

Indo-Asian News Service

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