Hyderabad, Sept. 23 -- The stay order on GO (government order) 183 by the Telangana high court came as good news to heritage activists in the city earlier this week, which made the the XXI INTACH Heritage Awards all the more jubilant.

The government of Telangana on December 7, 2015, issued GO 183 which struck down the protection given to about 160 buildings, rock formations, and some precincts, leaving them vulnerable to damage and destruction.

Hans India reported that the awards were given away to six recipients along with a citation including Osmania University College for Women, Koti for restoring the Doll House on its campus.

The stay order came on a day when the heritage awards were being given and it warmed hearts of one and all,...