Hyderabad: Historic dargah in city set to regain glory

Kohe Imam-e-Zamin, also called as Kohe Imam Pahadi, is a 462 year-old picturesque dargah situated at the hilltop at Ammuguda , Sainikpuri. For the locals, devotees of any religion, nothing can be more peaceful than walking up to this quaint dargah amidst natural rock formations to feel an uplift of one's spirits. It overwhelms your senses. For centuries, people of all faiths have been visiting Kohe Imam-e-Zamin.

Popular as Kohe Imam-e-Zamin, it is also called Kohe Imam Pahadi as it is situated atop a hillock. It is the famous landmark of Ammuguda in Trimulgherry. Believed to be over 450-years-old, the rock was identified during the Quli Qutub Shah period as Maula Ali Hill. The hillock has two access points –visitors can either climb up 167 steps or can take the ramp.

However, years of neglect seem to have taken a toll on the the structure spread across the hillock. Its present state has for long been in need of repairs and restoration. Seeing its plight, a trust has come forward to restore the place its original charm. Kaman, mosque, naqqar khana (place for beating drums) and the hall that can accommodate 120 people at time are being restored by Al Kausar Trust.

Syed Nazeer Hasan Abedi, founder and president, Al Kausar Trust, said, " To protect the historical monuments in the city we have taken up works to restore the dargah and this is 32th monument we have restored till date in the city. Along with this trust there are 15 donors, all NRIs, who want to protect and restore the monuments and are supporting financially."

The total cost of the project is estimated to be Rs 3 crore. Works have been gradually executed phase-wise since October. The main building that is the dargah has been renovated. Huge iron griddles are installed to support the beams.

Once some other works are fully attended to, the trust plans to take up landscaping, streamline water supply, arrange electric lines, lay the flooring. Limestone is being used wherever restoration works are executed. With the help of conservation architects, the original architecture of the monument is being revived.

"The main problem we are facing is that due to bad condition of road, complete lanes are damaged and also there is no electricity in the area.

As around 180 devotees of all religion visit the shrine daily, we need the support from the State government and the archaeological department to lay a new CC road and ramp right up to the hilltop, streetlights from the main road to the hill, power supply with a transformer junction, security & CCTV surveillance, in addition to police patrolling. Garbage bins should be installed at 3 necessary points.

Also there should be a survey by the archaeological department to guide us on the latest and effective practices and modes. We have planned to build a viewing gallery, an arch and also a small park. Also there would be an ample parking facilities and toilets," added Abedi.