Hyderabad, 27 June
Hyderabad’s Famous Gulzar Houz Turns into ‘Garbage Houz’ Amid Neglect and Poor Civic Sense
The historic Gulzar Houz, one of Hyderabad‘s most iconic heritage landmarks located near Charminar, has fallen into a state of neglect, with garbage, stagnant water, and sludge replacing the beauty of the centuries-old fountain. Once a vital water source for the Nizam’s soldiers, the landmark is now being referred to by many locals as “Garbage Houz.”
Despite being restored twice in the last six years, the monument continues to deteriorate due to poor maintenance and a lack of civic responsibility.
Historic Fountain Now Filled with Garbage
Visitors to Gulzar Houz are greeted by an unpleasant sight. The fountain is filled with stagnant water, sludge, plastic bottles, disposable plates, food waste, and other litter. In another sign of neglect, a pair of trousers was found hanging from the green metal fence surrounding the fountain.
The condition of the monument has raised concerns among residents, heritage enthusiasts, and tourists, who say the landmark deserves better preservation.
A Monument with Rich History
Gulzar Houz is one of Hyderabad’s oldest historical landmarks. It was built by Mir Momin Astarabadi, the first Prime Minister under Mohammed Quli Qutub Shah, the founder of Hyderabad.
Historically, the fountain served as an important public water source where soldiers of the Nizam’s army would stop to drink water while travelling through the Old City.
Originally constructed as a 12-sided fountain, Gulzar Houz was later redesigned into an octagonal structure. Today, after multiple alterations over the centuries, it appears almost circular. Hyderabad’s Famous Gulzar Houz Turns into ‘Garbage Houz’ Amid Neglect and Poor Civic Sense
Two Renovations, Same Outcome
Authorities undertook restoration works at Gulzar Houz in 2020 and again in 2023 to revive its historical appearance and improve the surrounding area.
However, both renovation efforts have failed to produce lasting results. Within months of each restoration, the fountain once again became filled with waste and stagnant water.
The repeated deterioration highlights the challenges of maintaining heritage structures without regular upkeep and public cooperation. Hyderabad’s Famous Gulzar Houz Turns into ‘Garbage Houz’ Amid Neglect and Poor Civic Sense
Need for Better Heritage Conservation
Located at the heart of Hyderabad’s Old City and just a short distance from the world-famous Charminar, Gulzar Houz attracts thousands of visitors every day.
Heritage conservation experts believe that regular cleaning, stricter monitoring, improved waste management, and greater public awareness are essential to preserve the monument for future generations.
Residents have urged civic authorities to ensure routine maintenance while also appealing to visitors not to litter around the historic structure. Hyderabad’s Famous Gulzar Houz Turns into ‘Garbage Houz’ Amid Neglect and Poor Civic Sense
Why Gulzar Houz Matters
Gulzar Houz is more than just a fountain—it is an important symbol of Hyderabad’s rich cultural and architectural heritage. Preserving such monuments helps protect the city’s history and enhances its appeal as a major tourist destination.
Without sustained maintenance and responsible public behaviour, restoration projects alone may not be enough to safeguard Hyderabad’s historic landmarks. Hyderabad’s Famous Gulzar Houz Turns into ‘Garbage Houz’ Amid Neglect and Poor Civic Sense
Key Highlights
- Historic Gulzar Houz near Charminar has turned into a garbage dump.
- The fountain is filled with stagnant water, sludge, plastic bottles, and food waste.
- The monument has undergone restoration twice—in 2020 and 2023.
- Built by Mir Momin Astarabadi during the Qutb Shahi era.
- Residents call for better maintenance and improved civic responsibility.
-Hyderabad’s Famous Gulzar Houz Turns into ‘Garbage Houz’ Amid Neglect and Poor Civic Sense