GHMC allays fears over Moazzam Jahi Market demolition

Only those in a dilapidated condition identified for razing, says official

Strong and sturdy: Moazzam Jahi Market is built with granite and nobody can say it is dilapidated.

Breathe easy. There is no proposal to demolish the landmark Moazzam Jahi Market and to replace it with a multi-storied structure for vendors.

“Yes there is a proposal to demolish old and dilapidated markets to be replaced with modern structures with amenities including toilets, waste treatment, parking and hygienic facilities. The process for identifying the market buildings to be demolished is going on. Moazzam Jahi Market is built with granite. Nobody can say it is dilapidated,” said a Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation official, requesting anonymity.

“We are following procedure and have asked Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University to study the structural stability of markets within the purview of GHMC and they have completed study of about five markets. Those markets that are in a dilapidated condition have to be demolished as we can’t risk the lives of citizens in any accident,” said the officer. Many civic activists are aghast that the civic body is considering demolishing city markets to replace them with new buildings.

In the run-up to GHMC municipal elections, Minister for Municipal Administration and Urban Development K.T. Rama Rao had promised an outlay of ₹26 crore to be spent for construction of 40 model markets to cater to the needs of the expanding city.

While the Moazzam Jahi market is clearly off the list, the other markets that are likely to be affected include the Panjagutta Market, Kandaswamy Market, Begum Bazar fish market, Mahbub Chowk market among a score of others. Some of the markets like the Begum Bazar fish market, Mahbub Chowk market have a gross odour and are usually filled with vegetable waste, offal and slush by evening.

“These markets have been constructed in the latter part of last century and they are not in a dilapidated condition. They can be salvaged with a little conservation effort. I was shocked when I learnt that they are planning to demolish these markets. These are our landmarks. Who wants to go to a mall for vegetables? Shopping in Monda Market is an experience. It is chaotic and messy but I love it all the same,” says Anuradha Reddy of Intach.

For now, it remains to be seen how the technical team of JNTU evaluates the structural stability of various markets.

“We can take a decision on demolition of various markets only after the technical team gives us a report,” said the GHMC official.