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Express Tribune
26-05-2025
- General
- Express Tribune
Power lines threaten Mukhi House
A month after a formal request was made, no action has yet been taken to remove hazardous electrical wires hanging from the historic Mukhi House Museum in Hyderabad. The museum's curator and administrator, Naeem Ahmed Khan, submitted a letter to the Chief Executive Officer of the Hyderabad Electric Supply Company (HESCO) on April 21, 2025, requesting the relocation of electric wires entangled with the museum's structure. The letter highlighted the architectural and cultural significance of Mukhi House, which was declared protected heritage under the Sindh Cultural Heritage (Preservation) Act, 1994, in 2018. Mukhi House was later converted into a museum and opened to the public in 2021. Located in a densely populated residential area, it now faces a serious preservation challenge: electricity to nearby homes is supplied via cables that run across and hang from the museum's outer walls, some even strung across windows and fastened to its original iron grills. The letter warned that these power lines not only compromise the visual integrity of the site but also pose a serious threat to the building's structure - particularly its wooden doors and windows - in the event of an electrical malfunction. Copies of the letter were also sent to the Deputy Commissioner of Hyderabad, the Deputy Director (Heritage/Admin), and the PS to the Director General of the Sindh Culture, Tourism, Antiquities, and Archives Department. Yet, despite the passage of a full month, officials have taken no action. Restoration work is currently underway at Mukhi House after years of delay. Museum staff caution that if the hanging wires are not removed soon, a large portion of the museum's outer wall may remain unrestored and unpainted, defeating the purpose of ongoing renovation efforts. Window to past Also known as Mukhi Mahal, the building was constructed in 1920 by Mukhi Jeth Anand, a prominent member of Hyderabad's Sindhi Hindu community. The architecture of the mansion combines Renaissance, Art Deco, and Art Nouveau styles, featuring stained glass windows, intricately carved wooden details by Indian artisans, and marble accents. The house comprises 12 rooms, two grand halls, and a spacious central courtyard along with a smaller rear courtyard. In a notable moment of pre-Partition history, India's future Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru stayed at Mukhi House with his family - a visit now commemorated with a rare photograph on display at the museum. After Partition, the Mukhi family remained in Hyderabad until 1957 before migrating to India. The building was subsequently occupied by various government departments, including the Settlement Office and a girls' school. It also suffered damage during periods of political unrest in the city. It was not until the tenure of former District Nazim Kanwar Naveed Jamil that a decision was made to preserve the site. In 2008, the Mukhi family relinquished formal ownership under the condition that it would be preserved and opened as a public museum. Restoration began in 2009 under the Sindh Government's Department of Archaeology, and by 2013 the museum opened its doors to the public. Mukhi House today hosts a collection of personal memorabilia, historical photographs, and cultural artifacts donated by the Mukhi family - an effort to preserve not only their legacy but the broader cultural history of Hyderabad. The building, located near Chaari at Homestead Hall, remains a popular attraction for both local and visiting tourists. However, the entangled power cables, particularly at the rear of the building, continue to mar the structure's historic charm and pose an ongoing threat to its preservation. Unless immediate steps are taken to address the issue, a vital piece of Sindh's heritage may face further degradation.
Express Tribune
19-04-2025
- Climate
- Express Tribune
Heatwave to hit Karachi on Monday
The Meteorological Department has forecast a heatwave in Karachi from April 21 to 23. Due to the cessation of sea breezes and increased humidity, temperatures are expected to rise four to six degrees above normal. However, a reduction in the heatwave is expected in rural districts of Sindh starting today (Saturday). According to the heatwave alert issued by the Meteorological Department, a severe heatwave is expected in the city from Monday to Wednesday (April 21 to 23). During this period, sea breezes may be present only briefly, while hot northwesterly desert winds from Balochistan are likely to affect the city. The department said that during the heatwave, maximum temperatures may exceed 40 degrees Celsius, rising four to six degrees above normal. Due to increased humidity, the heat may feel more intense than the actual temperature. The Meteorological Department has advised the public, especially children, women, and the elderly to take precautionary measures during the heatwave. It is recommended to avoid direct exposure to sunlight during the day and increase water intake. A reduction in the ongoing heatwave is expected from today in the central and upper districts of the province. According to the department, Karachi's maximum temperature on Friday was recorded at 34.3 degrees Celsius, with 58 per cent humidity. In rural Sindh, temperatures of 46.5 degrees Celsius were recorded in Shaheed Benazirabad and Dadu. Mercury hits high in Nawabshah The city is experiencing a severe heatwave, with temperatures soaring to 49 degrees Celsius on Friday. The intense heat has caused air conditioners to malfunction, and residents are struggling to cope with prolonged power outages. Despite the extreme weather, HESCO (Hyderabad Electric Supply Company) continues to implement 16-hour load shedding, further exacerbating the situation. The heatwave has led to an increased demand for ice and cold water. Citizens are finding it challenging to manage their daily lives due to the prolonged power outages. In light of the situation, residents have appealed to President Asif Ali Zardari and Aseefa Bhutto Zardari to reduce the load-shedding duration to four hours, citing the unbearable heat and difficulties faced by the public.
