NRIs willing to fund for repairs

Muslim leaders are attributing the delay in the restoration of Macca Masjid to disinterest on the part of the officials of the Department of Archaeology and Monuments.

Osman Bin Mohammed AlHajri, president of the Deccan Wakf Protection Society, said that the authorities have been promising to take up the work for the past three years. “If the government is not interested in starting the work, then the community is willing to take up the work. Let the Minorities Welfare Department can open a bank account and we will donate money for the repairs. International firms with expertise in the conservation of heritage structures can be roped in if the state departments are unable to do so,” he said.

Mr Al-Hajri said that scores of affluent persons from the community, as well as NRIs, are willing to donate money for the restoration of the mosque. “A stitch in time saves nine,” he adds.

The Millat Front, a citybased organisation, shares the same opinion. “The mosque belongs to Allah. It doesn’t matter who arranges funds for its maintenance and upkeep. It is a place of prayer and a 400-year-old historical landmark,” said S.M. Abdul Khadeer, president of the organisation.

He said that the condition of the mosque is worsening with every rainy season. “Now water is seeping through walls too. A few days ago, the plaster from the ceiling of the mausoleum in the courtyard started falling off due to the rains.”

Mr Abdul Khadeer said that Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao had promised to have the historic mosque restored at the earliest. “Except for paperwork and official visits, nothing has happened so far,” he said. Several heritage lovers and activists believe that it is time for the government to take some action.