Mecca Masjid in for a makeover

Hyderabad: Mecca Masjid, one of the oldest mosques and a prominent historical site in Hyderabad, is all set for a makeover from July this year.

According to officials of the Minority Welfare Department, structure of the mosque has been deteriorating following seepage of water and other problems which need to be addressed immediately.

As part of restoration of the structure an 18-month project has been conceived at an estimated cost of Rs 8 crore. The project will be implemented in three phases. As the ensuing holy month of Ramzan would end around June 26, it has been decided to take up the first phase from the first week of July, said an official.

The State Archeology and Museums department has been asked to prepare a roadmap for the restoration works, the official said.

Accordingly, it has been decided that the first phase of restoration of the roof would be taken up. As the water seepage had resulted in the accumulation of extra weight, and restoration of roof works would be taken up.

During the second phase, works on the main structure would be taken up. The gap between the stones of the main structure has increased which would result in the weakening of the structural strength and the restoration works would be taken up in resolving the issue.

The water circulation system of the mosque is another factor which would be taken up in the third phase.

When contacted, officials in the State Archeology and Museums department confirmed that the department will be taking up the restoration works, funded by the minorities’ welfare department.

“Though the project had been designed to be implemented in three phases, wherever necessary, the works would be taken up concurrently,” they clarified.