NEW DELHI, April 29: The majestic new Secretariat of Telangana has something different besides its grand view and magnificent presence — it has three shrines including a church inside it.
No other Secretariat in the country has three shrines of all major religions of the country in one compound which makes it distinct. Moreover, it has been named after the Father of the Indian Constitution, Dr BR Ambedkar, a prominent Dalit and secular leader with his huge statue along with that of Lord Buddha and a war memorial. All these make the new secretariat a tourist attraction during holidays.
It may be mentioned that Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao assumed his chair inside his chambers on Sunday in the Secretariat.
The new Secretariat, built at a cost of Rs 600 crore on 28 acres of land, has a 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 Deccani style.
Besides the usual office and visitors’ space, the Secretariat has a temple, mosque and church. There are native trees, fountains, and modern amenities. Telangana has created an image for itself in completing mega projects in a short span and leaving the nation awestruck.
There are 34 domes and two massive Ashoka emblems installed on two main domes in the Secretariat complex. Presenting an aesthetic look to the complex, these domes have been constructed in different sizes. On the two mega domes, the Ashoka emblems, weighing about five tonnes each, are 15 feet high and are made of bronze.
As one takes the main entrance of the Secretariat, a massive door greets visitors into the complex which has been named as Bahubali door. The new Secretariat building is designed to last for over 150 years.
Hyderabad is categorised in seismic zone-II, yet the entire complex is designed and constructed to withstand the risks of seismic zone-III. Similarly, with the Hussain Sagar opposite the complex, there is a possibility of high-speed winds blowing across and the building has been made accordingly.
The older secretariat in Telangana had blocks which were 70 years old and appeared ancient and unorganised.
