Hyderabad, (thestates.news)| Telangana Chief Minister K.Chandrashekar Rao (KCR) inaugurated the newly-constructed integrated secretariat complex ‘Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Telangana State Secretariat’, constructed at a cost of Rs 616 crores, here on Sunday afternoon after performing special prayers and rituals. Equipped with state of the art facilities, the complex is designed to house all government departments under one roof, making it easier for the public to access various services.
KCR has laid the foundation stone for the construction of new secretariat building here at the existing location near Hussain Sagar lake in June 2019.The new Secretariat building is also close to two more historical structures – 125 feet statue of the architect of Indian Constitution author Dr. BR Ambedkar, which was unveiled on April 14, coinciding with Ambedkar Jayanti and Martyrs memorial to remember the sacrifices of Telangana martyrs which are coming up alongside of the famous Hussain Sagar lake in Hyderabad.
The Telangana martyrs memorial being constructed opposite new secretariat will be inaugurated on June 1.Designed by Chennai -based architects Ponni Concessao and Oscar Concessao, the new Secretariat has unique architecture and appears to be in the Indo-Sarssenic style that blends the Indo-Islamic architectural features generally with domes.
The multiple domes and arches of the building perfectly fit in this style representing the syncretic and liberal Deccan style.The overall master plan has been zoned for the Secretariat building, ancillary buildings for visitors, police personnel, fire department, crèche, utility building, temple, mosque and church. Ample space has been planned for landscaping (hardscape with stone pavements, and softscapes consisting of lawns, native trees, and fountains), and parking for VVIPs, staff and others.
The complex has been constructed with all modern amenities, including conference halls, visitors’ lounges, dining halls and others.The secretariat building has a total built-up area of 8,58,530 sq feet. It has six floors with a ground floor and a lower ground floor.The entire secretariat complex is spread over 27.9 acres. The building covers 2.45 acres while landscaping covers 7.72 acres. The beautiful central courtyard lawn covers 2.2 acres.
The secretariat has a parking space for 560 cars and 700 two-wheelers.Over 12,000 labourers worked in three shifts and used around 7,000 tonnes of steel, 35,000 tonnes of cement, 26,000 tonnes of sand, 1 lakh sq feet of marble, 3 lakh sq feet of granite, 60,00 cubic metres of concrete, and 11 lakh bricks to build the new Secretariat.
In view of the inauguration, police imposed certain traffic restrictions from 4 am to 8 pm on Sunday.On the other hand, NTR Gardens, NTR Ghat, Lumbani Park and Necklace Road situated near the secretariat, are being completely closed on Sunday, according to city traffic police officer. (UNI)