Govt sanction Rs.8.48 cr for repair, renovation of Mecca Masjid

The government sanctioned a whopping Rs 8.48 crore for repair, renovation and beautification of the Mecca Masjid — the second largest mosque in the country after Delhi’s Jama Masjid.

The biggest question mark before the authorities is how to carry out the repairs with Ramzan and the monsoon round the corner. Conservation architects, engineers and officials of Archeology and Minority Welfare brainstormed about this on Tuesday and resolved to take up the restoration work at any cost.

But there is a catch to this — the repair work should be scheduled in such a way that it does not affect the daily namaz. The three-phase renovation is expected to be completed in 18 months. During this period, two Ramzans and two monsoons will come and



authorities plan to see that the repair work doesn’t come in the way of Ramzan festivities. Care is also being taken to ensure that monsoon does not hinder the job.

Conservation architect Sharat Chandra, who prepared the detailed project report (DPR), gave a presentation to officials concerned on Tuesday. The Department of Archeology will shortly invite tenders and take up the project once they are finalised.

Authorities calculated 84 occasions in a year when congregations swell in Makkah Masjid. A record 10,000 persons pray in the main structure and the courtyard every Friday and during the month of Ramzan. “We plan to have a permanent acoustic and lighting system in the courtyard,” AK Khan, advisor to the government on Minority Affairs, said.