Hyderabad: Government advisor Mohammed Ali Shabbir announced that fresh tenders are expected to be invited for leasing the Garden View Mall, a commercial complex owned by the Waqf Board, located adjacent to the Haj House in Nampally, reported the Times of India.
This decision was made during a high-level review meeting held at the Secretariat, chaired by Shabbir Ali. The meeting was attended by Waqf Board CEO Md Asadullah and other senior officials. It also included discussions on the preparations for the upcoming Haj pilgrimage.
The Garden View Mall is a seven-storey structure with two basement levels and a total built-up area of 1.65 lakh square feet. The lease income generated from this property is planned to be used for the welfare and development of the minority community.
Shabbir Ali informed that chief minister A Revanth Reddy is likely to formally flag off the first batch of Haj pilgrims from the Haj House on May 16.
Another issue discussed during the meeting was the long-standing concern raised by Muharram Juloos organisers regarding the absence of an elephant – a key part of the procession since the Nizam era. The tradition has faced disruption since the death of the elephant that was once housed at the Hyderabad Zoo.
Officials explored the possibility of government intervention to revive this tradition, which may include the purchase of an elephant. Discussions are ongoing with the forest department, Zoo authorities, and wildlife officials. The Waqf Board CEO has been tasked with convening a meeting to seek a permanent solution.
Shabbir Ali reaffirmed the Congress government’s commitment to revitalising Waqf properties and completing all pending projects with transparency, assuring that promises made to the Muslim community would be honoured.
