7-storeyed bldg remains incomplete for a decade

Nampally: The 7-floor structure (with 2-floors in basement) 'Garden View Wakf Mall' remains under construction for a decade and now it has become a breeding ground for mosquitoes with the entire basement being inundated with rainwater. The structure is adjacent to the Haj House here.

It has almost been a decade since 'Garden View Wakf Mall' was started with much hype after the then Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy laid foundation stone in 2009. The works have been moving a snail's pace as successive governments continued to ignore its construction.

The structure was originally meant for commercial use and aimed at helping sustain the Wakf Board coffers and funding for welfare schemes of minorities. Many times, the issue was raised in the assembly by AIMIM floor leader Akbaruddin Owaisi that it can be used for minorities.

It is causing concern to the Muslims that the Telangana State Wakf Board (TSWB) has been neglecting the structure. The delay has slowly transformed the basement of the building into a breeding ground for mosquito with water collecting in the entire basement inside the building. This also poses a threat to the structure which would be weakened if remedial measures not taken immediately, said Shafeeq Ather, a local social activist.

The water level has risen to 4-5 ft as no efforts have been made to stop the site from being inundated and water-logged. None of the TSWB officials took interest to drain the water out. The recent heavy rains only exacerbated the problem. Their apathy at a time when seasonal fevers were rearing their ugly head shocks anyone aware of the state of affairs in the board.

Since 2001, the 11-storey Haj House building called 'Razzack Manzil' has been housing offices of Haj Committee, Waqf Board, Minority Finance Corporation, Urdu Academy, Quazzat (marriage certificate) office and some other offices. Some other departments like minority welfare and Telangana Minorities Residential Educational Institutions Society (TMREIS) could not be accommodated and they were located elsewhere.

Recently a decision was taken by the government to shift those departments into the new structure. But with the construction not moving any bit, 'Garden View Wakf Mall' would continue to be out of bonds for various departments and offices involved in the welfare activities of minorities, said another activist Mohd Mujeeb.

By Md Minhajuddin Khan