Fund crunch holds up Mecca beautification

Charminar: The repair and beautification works of historic Mecca Masjid were put on hold for the over two months, owing to non-release of funds from the State government.

The restoration works of Mecca Masjid were started in the year 2017, following sanction of Rs 8.48 crore and should have been completed under the stipulated time of 18-months. Till now around 4 crores were released and only half of the restoration works are completed for the main structure, forcing mussalis (devout) to pray in the corner. Amongst other works which remain pending is repair and restoration of the main gate which was started around 3 months back.

Earlier on several occasions, inspections were conducted by the Advisor to Government Minority Welfare, A K Khan, Minority Welfare Department Director Shahnawaz Qasim, Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi, higher officials from State Archeological department and other departments. But for a few months barely an official made a visit to the historic mosque.

In the latest inspection during August, Khan had assured that these works would be completed by next 6 to 8 months. He asserted that the works related to main gate would be completed in next 2 months.

According to official sources, the conservation and renovation works of Mecca Masjid were pending and no works were going on for last 2 months. The reason cited is non-release of funds for continuing the activity.

The works were sanctioned under two categories main structure and other for Maqbara, main gate of mosque and other structures. Half of the restoration works of main structure were completed and remaining works are pending for last 2 months. In the second type of works which includes the Maqbara works are completed but the works of main gate were started around 4 months back and still the works are pending and the alternate door is being used as entrance, the source informed.

The door of the main entrance of the mosque is made up of wood of more than 400 years ago and due to lack of maintenance one side door is totally damaged and the door is being fixed by using jack. As soon as the amount is released the works will resume and will be completed as early as possible, he added.

It is said that Archaeology officials are also not keen following the transfer of its director, N R Visalatchy, in the recent months. The department is currently headed by A Dinakar Babu, who has additional charge of other departments like TS Sports Authority (TSSA).