Moazzam Jahi Market Clock Tower Stops Working, GHMC Yet to Receive Complaint

The iconic clock tower at Moazzam Jahi Market, a landmark structure in the heart of Hyderabad, has stopped working for several days now, according to local residents. The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), which is responsible for the upkeep of the heritage market and its clock tower, has stated that it was unaware of the malfunction and will only act after receiving a formal complaint.

Speaking to Siasat.com, the GHMC Goshamahal Executive Engineer, Shivanand, confirmed that his department had not been notified about the issue. “We have not received any complaint regarding the clock tower. Once we do, we will take the necessary steps to repair it,” he said.

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Heritage value and recent restoration

Moazzam Jahi Market was constructed between 1933 and 1935 during the reign of the seventh Nizam, Mir Osman Ali Khan. It was named after Prince Moazzam Jah, the second son of the Nizam, who served as president of the City Improvement Board. The market was part of a wider urban renewal plan and was designed to create a commercial hub between the Hyderabad Railway Station and the British Residency.

Over the decades, the market suffered significant deterioration due to water seepage, rusted structural beams and encroachments. A major restoration project was undertaken by the GHMC in collaboration with the Municipal Administration & Urban Development Department (MAUD). The restored market was reopened to the public on August 15, 2020.

The clock tower is one of the most recognisable features of the market complex and a point of reference for residents and visitors alike. Its current malfunction has raised concerns about the maintenance of heritage assets in the city.

Local concerns and next steps

Residents in the area have expressed disappointment that a prominent public clock in a busy commercial zone has been silent without any visible response from authorities. For daily commuters and shopkeepers who rely on the market, the clock serves as a practical timekeeping tool as well as a symbol of the city’s history.

The GHMC’s position that it will act only after a complaint is received has led to calls for a more proactive maintenance approach for heritage structures. Heritage activists have previously pointed out that many historic landmarks in Hyderabad lack regular monitoring and that repairs are often delayed until damage becomes visible.

For now, the quickest way to restore the clock appears to be through a formal complaint to the GHMC Goshamahal office. Residents can approach the local ward office or the GHMC’s customer care helpline to register the issue.

Why this matters for Hyderabad residents

The Moazzam Jahi Market clock tower is not just a decorative feature; it is a functioning piece of civic infrastructure embedded in a heritage zone. Its breakdown, coupled with the GHMC’s lack of awareness, highlights a recurring gap in the maintenance of public heritage assets. For a city that promotes its historical landmarks as tourist attractions and points of civic pride, ensuring basic upkeep of such structures is essential.

This story also serves as a reminder that citizen reporting remains a critical part of urban governance. Without a formal complaint, municipal departments may not act, even when a problem is visible to the public.

Source: The Siasat Daily – Hyderabad – Moazzam Jahi Market clock tower stops working, GHMC unaware