Locals oppose selling of Wakf land to DRDO

Nampally: While emphasising that the existing Eidgah fell short of accommodating devout during Eid prayers, the residents staying close to Roshan-ud-dowla Tomb in Balapur, demanded that TS Wakf Board consider expanding the Eidgah facility by allocating at least 3-acre land, rather than giving away the chunk of land to the Central Agency, DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation), as part of its land acquisition process.

The locals of Balapur (under RR district) led by advocate, Syed Kareemuddin Shakeel, Ali Mohammed Bin Halaif, Anwar and Adil on Monday met the Wakf Board chairman, Md Saleem and submitted a representation in this regard.

The delegation demanded that the Board allot 3-acre land adjacent to Eidgah for the extension (nearly half of the land out of more than 6 acres of land, which is currently in dispute), as existing land was proving to be insufficient for the devout during Eid prayers.

"The Eidgah is totally insufficient as the said area has become thickly populated due to which the Muslims are facing untold difficulties and hardships on every Eid and are being compelled to perform Namaz-e-Eid on the Road," said Kareemuddin.

This chunk of land in question is located close to the fence of DRDO at its rear side in Balapur and under dispute between a private party and Wakf Board. But following the proposal from DRDO, the Wakf Board has decided to wrest it from alleged encroachers through all legal means.

This place also has historical importance remain under survey number 51/3 wherein 6 acre 18 Guntas wakf land and has been notitied in A.P Gazette 6.A dated a Feb 7, 1989. Recently DRDO has shown keen interest in acquiring the land chuck, as it abuts its facility. In an official communication to Wakf Board, the Central Agency has also made its intentions clear.

"Following DRDO's proposal Wakf Board Chairman also visited the site on October 11 and contemplating to consider the request. Hence we have decided to meet the Chairman so that Board prioritizes the matter and consider allotting 3 acres of land to Eidgah, keeping in mind the aspirations of the general public," said Kareemuddin.