The iconic Moazzam Jahi market gets an all new avatar after a rigourous restoration drive

One of Hyderabad’s most iconic landmarks

Moazzam Jahi market

has got an all new avatar after a restoration drive.

Established in 1935, the market housed

fruit

and vegetable sellers mostly and some of the shops are still standing. With a couple of

ice cream shops

got added to the complex but unfortunately, the market place lost its charm due to lack of maintenance. The market was frequently flooded with sewage water and heaping amounts of waste that was rarely cleaned out. The walls were peppered with hoardings and flexes. All of this had almost rendered it impossible for people to go into the market.

Shaik Naseem

, a fruit vendor at Moazzam Jahi market who has seen the dismal state of this

Hyderabadi heritage

says, “Beautifying this space is a huge initiative by the government. This place is in a sorry state especially during the rainy season with sewage water and waste flowing in from the surrounding areas. The restoration started in 2018 and the market looks much cleaner and prettier since. A little bit of our Hyderabadi heritage has been restored because of this restoration drive by

KTR saab

and Arvind Kumar saab.”

The Moazzam Jahi market was a stop for visitors at the Charminar due to the proximity of the two spots. For pakka Hyderabadis, it was a spot that was frequented for the natural locally made ice creams that were a favourite summer treat. C Ravi Kumar, a student residing in Abids who used to frequent Moazzam Jahi market with friends is elated with the restoration. He shares, “I have been going to the Moazzam Jahi market since childhood. Summer evenings would be spend at the market gorging on the delicious ice cream with friends. We used to climb to the top of the market complex to see the Ganeshas from Old City making their way to Tank Bund for nimajjanam. It’s great to see the market being restored to its old glory. The flag in the centre of the complex and the lights all around it make the Moazzam Jahi market look majestic. It’s a beautiful sight.”

Owing to the lockdown, the heritage sites around the city are not open to the public at the moment. But once the lockdown lifts, Hyderabadis will be surprised with Moazzam Jahi market’s new avatar. IT minister of Telangana took to Twitter and appreciated Principal Secretary Arvind Kumar and his team for their efforts in this restoration drive.


- Sravan.Vanaparthy@timesgroup.com