“During rain, water leaks into shops and expensive cloth material gets damaged”: A Tenant
Hyderabad: The historic Nizam-era Madina building, a shopping complex near Charminar, is in urgent need of attention as years of neglect and exposure have left it structurally vulnerable. Cracks running across walls, peeling ceilings, overgrown vegetation and water seepage bear testimony to the long-standing disregard for its upkeep.
Located in the heart of the Old City, the Madina Bazaar continues to draw thousands of shoppers every day. Known for its extensive collection of saris, dress materials and suiting fabrics, it attracts customers not only from Telangana but also from other States and abroad.
The building, notified as Waqf property, was constructed during the Nizam period to provide financial assistance to the economically weaker sections of Madina City in Saudi Arabia. Today, it houses more than 600 establishments, including shops, godowns and hotels.
“During rain, water leaks into shops and expensive cloth material gets damaged,” said a tenant. Several shop owners said they had been running businesses for over five decades.
Every monsoon, they are forced to shift their goods repeatedly to prevent losses from water seepage. “Since no repairs have been undertaken for several years, we have been doing them on our own,” another shopkeeper said.
A sari trader, who has been in business since the 1970s, recalled that the building was once properly maintained. “Now, even to fix a nail on the wall, we need permission, which is rarely given. Yet, no one bothers about maintaining the structure,” he said.
Traders also complained about the absence of basic amenities such as drinking water and toilets, and said that repeated appeals for repairs had gone unheard. “Despite earning crores of rupees from rent, the building is deteriorating due to prolonged neglect. The departments concerned must take up restoration and conservation works on priority to save this heritage structure,” said Mohammed Habeebuddin, a heritage activist.
According to Habeebuddin, the Madina building and its attached properties are managed by a private trust. “There has been a long-standing title and financial dispute with the Waqf Board,” he added.
When contacted Waqf Board chairman Azmattullah Hussaini said the maintenance committee would be directed to take up repair works. “A team will personally visit the site to ensure immediate action,” he added.
