Illegal Constructions Cause Shortage of Burial Sites in Old City
Abdullah Salam (NEWS PRISM BUREAU,HYDERABAD )
HYDERABAD– The Muslim community in Hyderabad is facing serious problems burying their loved ones because many graveyards in the old city are being encroached upon. Areas such as Kala Pathar, Zia Gowda, and Begum Bazaar in the old city are particularly affected by this issue, with land mafias illegally taking over graveyard lands and demolishing graves to build new constructions. This has made it very difficult for people to find places to bury their loved ones.
A resident shared his frustration: “They are building commercial buildings by demolishing graves in Kala Pathar. Retaining walls are being pulled down, and no one is stopping this.” The shrinking graveyards are causing a lot of pain in the community. Another resident expressed similar pain: “In areas like Balapur, Phisal Banda, and Falaknuma, tombs have been destroyed and surrounded by walls. Major construction work is happening even in Aliabad and Asif Nagar, making things worse.” He added that they complained, but nothing was done because authorities were ignoring it.
Pointing to the illegal constructions, a community leader lamented that as per the law, any construction should be at least three feet away from the cemetery boundaries. However, in some areas, constructions were made even three to four feet inside the graveyard lands, which was a clear violation but blatantly continued. In Zia Gowda, the situation is even worse as a local resident said, “Temporary sheds are being built inside the cemeteries, and even graves are being leveled for new constructions. This is very disrespectful to the deceased and their families.”
The Telangana State Waqf Board, which should manage and protect Muslim graveyards, is being criticized for not taking action against these encroachments and illegal constructions on waqf lands. Despite many complaints from the community, the Board has not stopped the illegal activities. Local residents and activists are demanding quick action from the Waqf Board to protect these graveyards as they are sacred, and their destruction is causing a lot of pain.
The Muslim community is asking for immediate action to stop the encroachments and restore the graveyards. They want the authorities to enforce the laws and prevent any further illegal constructions. If nothing is done soon, the problem will get worse, and many will be left without a proper place to bury their loved ones. The community’s distress is growing, and they need urgent help to protect their sacred spaces.