NIZAMABAD: Gandhi Gunj, situated in the heart of Nizamabad town, and one of the most important market yards in India, has completed 111 years. To mark 111 years, the market committee has decided to celebrate with a special function. The clock tower in the market yard is the main attraction for visitors.
Sirnapally samsthan ruler Sheelam Janaki Bai donated five acres to construct the clock tower along with two welcome arches in 1905. Prior to Independence, Nizamabad market yard was called ‘Mahabub Gunj’, which was then renamed ‘Gandhi Gunj’. Sales and purchases of agricultural produce were conducted based on the alarm bells of the clock tower.
The people of Nizamabad town would use the chimes of the clock tower to set their timings and daily routine. For the last few years, the clock was abandoned as there was no one to repair it. After the construction of Shraddanand Gunj, the main market was shifted from Gandhi Gunj. Recently, the wholesale vegetable market was also shifted from here.
Presently, the retail vegetable market is continuing in Gandhi Gunj premises.
When contacted, Nizamabad agriculture market committee chairperson, K. Divya Dinesh Kumar, said that the beautification of Gandhi Gunj was proposed to protect this historical monument. “We are planning to illuminate the clock tower along with repairs to the welcome arches,” she said. “Water fountains will be set up to make it an attraction for visitors,” she concluded.
