Telangana Municipal Administration and Urban Development Minister KT Rama Rao on Monday visited the Moazzam Jahi Market in Hyderabad and announced that renovation work would be taken up at an estimated cost of Rs 10 crore.
This came weeks after MAUD Principal Secretary Arvind Kumar promised to restore the iconic market in the heart of the city and restore it to its former glory with the help of the public.
KTR and Arvind Kumar were accompanied by other officials as they surveyed the premises of the MJ market.
Speaking to the media, KTR said that shops and eateries would be accommodated and new public toilets would be built, besides fixing the defunct clock tower.
Earlier, the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) had said that it was undertaking a drive to clear the structure of banners, flexes and advertisement boards.
Taking to Twitter, KTR said, "Visited the famous Mozzam Jahi market along with Arvind Kumar. Restoration works start tomorrow and would be completed in four months. Hyderabad is a unique city that has a great blend of both amazing heritage structures and modern contemporary ones."
Uploading pictures from his visit, the Minister also said that he tried the famous ice-cream at the MJ Market, which was great on a hot summer day.
Visited the famous Mozzam Jahi market along with @arvindkumar_ias
— KTR (@KTRTRS) April 16, 2018
Restoration works start tomorrow & would be completed in 4 months
Hyderabad is a unique city that has a great blend of both amazing heritage structures & modern contemporary ones pic.twitter.com/hGIpvk0E12
More pics from the visit to Mozzam Jahi market
— KTR (@KTRTRS) April 16, 2018
Also tried the ‘famous’ ice cream great on a hot summer day pic.twitter.com/QVEZzevKsH
In March, Arvind Kumar had released images of the present state of the iconic market, which is currently covered in garbage and filth.
"Please send your contact details at mjmarket.restoration@gmail.com and mention what is it you wish to get involved in. We will be delighted to have you on board our 'Team MJ Market Restoration'," the IAS officer had said, asking for public support.
The Moazzam Jahi Market was constructed in 1935 by the last Nizam, Mir Osman Ali Khan, and named after his second son Moazzam Jah.
Though initially constructed as a flower and fruit market, it now hosts several popular ice-cream outlets.