Hyderabad: Waqf’s ₹22 Crore Garden View Mall in Nampally Set for Revival as Govt Plans Fresh Tenders
In a renewed effort to revive a key Waqf property, the Telangana Government has decided to call for fresh tenders to lease out the Garden View Mall, a seven-storey commercial complex situated adjacent to the Haj House in Nampally.
Hyderabad: In a renewed effort to revive a key Waqf property, the Telangana Government has decided to call for fresh tenders to lease out the Garden View Mall, a seven-storey commercial complex situated adjacent to the Haj House in Nampally.
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Mall Left Unused Despite ₹22 Crore Investment
Constructed during the previous Congress regime, the mall was designed to generate revenue for the Waqf Board. The structure, which includes two basement levels and spans 1.65 lakh square feet, has remained unused and deteriorating for several years under the BRS government despite an investment of ₹22 crore.
Fresh Tenders with Cultural Safeguards
A high-level review meeting, chaired by Government Advisor Mohammed Ali Shabbir at the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Secretariat, resolved to issue fresh global tenders. The original 2017 tenders had imposed strict conditions, including a ban on alcohol and illegal activities and a requirement to keep two floors vacant during Haj season, which had limited the response. The same moral and cultural conditions will be retained in the new tender process.
Historical Significance and Past Inaction
Shabbir Ali, who had overseen the mall’s construction as a minister in the previous Congress government, recalled that additional properties near the Haj House were acquired to support minority welfare. However, he criticized the neglect and mismanagement under the previous administration, which led to revenue loss and stalled development.
Preparations for Haj Pilgrimage Underway
The meeting also reviewed arrangements for the 2025 Haj pilgrimage. Shabbir Ali announced that Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy would formally flag off the first batch of pilgrims on May 16. Officials were directed to ensure proper accommodation, transport, and other logistics for the pilgrims.
Muharram Elephant Tradition Under Review
An additional topic discussed was the issue of providing an elephant for Muharram Juloos, a tradition previously upheld by the Nizam Trust. Since the death of the elephant previously housed at Hyderabad Zoo, organisers have struggled to maintain the practice. The government is now exploring options for acquiring an elephant, with discussions ongoing involving the Forest Department, Zoo officials, and wildlife authorities.
Senior Officials Present
The review meeting was attended by Government Secretary Tafseer Iqbal, Waqf Board CEO Md Asadullah, and other senior officials. The Waqf Board CEO has been tasked with convening a special meeting to find a permanent resolution to the Muharram Juloos tradition.
