Hyderabad: Special Chief Secretary Jayesh Ranjan on Saturday outlined a restoration vision for Irrum Manzil, stressing its conservation and adaptive reuse under the proposed Heritage Partner Scheme.
He spoke during a World Heritage Day 2026 event organised at the historic palace by the Quli Qutub Shah Urban Development Authority in collaboration with the Roads and Buildings department and Deccan Archive.
Irrum Manzil restoration plan highlights heritage reuse
Jayesh Ranjan highlighted the historical importance of Irrum Manzil and its potential for restoration. He said the government plans to promote adaptive reuse while preserving its heritage value.
He also appreciated more than 60 volunteers who joined the clean-up drive at the site. He invited them to continue contributing to conservation efforts as Heritage Ambassadors.
Irrum Manzil, which means “Paradise Mansion,” was built in the late 19th century by Nawab Fakhr al-Mulk, a member of the Salar Jung family who served under the Nizam of Hyderabad.
Located on a hilltop in Punjagutta, the palace once covered several acres. It featured landscaped gardens, pathways, and hundreds of rooms.
After Independence, authorities repurposed the building for government use. It housed departments such as the State Archives, Public Works, Irrigation, and Roads and Buildings.
Irrum Manzil restoration plan gains public attention
Today, the structure remains largely unused and had earlier faced demolition plans. However, participants at the event expressed surprise at the scale and architectural value of the interiors, which remained closed to the public for nearly a decade.
QQSUDA Administrator P. Gouthami stressed the need for collaboration to protect heritage for future generations. She also announced an annual calendar with monthly events to promote heritage awareness and conservation.