HYDERABAD: Moazzam Jahi Market, considered one of the city’s most well-known and oldest landmarks, is all set to get a major facelift.
Following instructions from minister K.T. Rama Rao, principal secretary (MAUD) Arvind Kumar has decided to adopt MJ Market to give it a complete heritage restoration.
Making an announcement on his Twitter handle, Mr Arvind Kumar has kept a time frame of three to four months for this task.
In an effort to involve public, the senior IAS officer has called for suggestions and participation of ‘Hyderabadis’ in this restoration.
“Please send your contact details at mjmarket.restoration@gmail.com and what is it you wish to get involved in. We will be delighted to have you on board in our Team MJ Market Restoration,” he said.
No sooner did Mr Arvind Kumar make this announcement, his Twitter handle was flooded with suggestions from netizens, lauding the initiative.
Responding to them, the principal secretary stated that they will restore stone structures to their original colour without using artificial paints or colours.
“Also, century-old-water taps would be restored,” he added.
Mr Arvind Kumar also said that the water leakage issue will be solved, there will be regulation on erecting banners and issues regarding cables will be taken care of.
Replying to one Madhusudan Vedulla, who requested the principal secretary to seek the co-operation of Aga Khan Trust that is already involved in the restoration of Qutb Shahi Tombs, Mr Arvind Kumar said that he would get in touch with the concerned.
Another citizen, one Ashish Kumar stressed on educating the local shopkeepers on cleanliness to which the IAS officer said that they are being engaged. Also, requests were there to create a dedicated Facebook account and WhatsApp group for this initiative.
Members of Heritage Buffs, one of the active WhatsApp groups dedicated to city heritage and history, also expressed interest to volunteer for this cause.
One of the admins of this group and historian Mohammad Safiullah said that the paint on the domes of the landmark should be removed and the work taken up in phases.
Meanwhile, Mr K.T. Rama Rao also tweeted that he was saving pictures of present conditions of the MJ Market so that he can compare them with the new ones, once the restoration works are completed.
