The National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) has decided to sanction Rs 8.19 crore to the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) to develop the area around Charminar.

This came after the historic monument was chosen as a Swachh Iconic Site (SIS), following a decision by the Union government in New Delhi.

In a press release, the GHMC said that around Rs 2.5 crore would be spent on battery operated vehicles, while Rs 42.5 lakh would be spent on Swachh Auto Tippers for carting garbage.

While the GHMC plans to spend Rs 9 lakh for steel garbage bins, sufficient lighting of the four historical arches around the Charminar will cost Rs 1 crore. 

It also plans to utilise the money for construction of drinking water ATM kiosks, public toilets, and other amenities. 

"Charminar as a center of a historic core has to be restructured to retain the significance of the place, and the move will also improve the economic condition and quality of life of the local people and provide better facilities to the visitors," the GHMC said.

In November last year, Charminar was one out of 10 places selected as part of phase 2 of Swachh Iconic Sites.

Presently, the Charminar Pedestrianisation Project (CPP), which aims to pedestrianise a radius of 220 metres around Charminar, by diverting vehicular traffic through the Inner Ring Road (IRR) and the Outer Ring Road (ORR), has picked up speed and is progressing rapidly.

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is also busy carrying out conservation and repair works on the monument and its pillars itself.

Charminar, which was built during Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah's rule in 1591, is a protected structure, as any construction within 200 meters around the monument can only be done after permission is obtained from the ASI and the National Monument Authority.

Despite being restored, the structure still faces a threat from fumes, vibrations, dust and smoke.