The Islamia High School in Secunderabad is facing the danger of collapsing due to several cracks in its 141-year-old building. Without proper maintenance, the structure may collapse at any time. Concerns have been raised by heritage activists and students about the lack of attention from the Education department. Many parts of the building have broken down, making it unsafe for students to attend classes.
The architectural description of the historical structure includes a prominent entrance with a richly elliptical arch. The school’s name and year of construction (1882) are engraved on a marble plaque, which also shows permission from the then-British resident. However, the arch is fading and turning blackish.
Students have expressed their concerns about the dilapidated building, along with the shortage of teaching staff and lack of proper infrastructure. They have reported the terrible condition of the structure to officials multiple times, but no action has been taken. The classrooms are congested, walls have cracks, and some portions of the building are damaged.
Historian Mohammed Haseeb Ahmed visited the school recently and was shocked to see the heritage building in such a condition. Lack of repair and timely restoration has led to cracks and falling stone chunks. He questions why the State government is neglecting such an important structure, putting students’ lives at risk.
The Islamia High School, constructed in 1882, is a symbol of colonial architecture in Secunderabad. It was established by Mir Turab Ali Khan during educational reforms in the princely State of Hyderabad. The entrance of the school has a marble plaque with the names of prominent donors who funded its construction. The plaque also mentions permission granted by the then-British resident for the school to be built in the British Army Cantonment.
