Shia Community Demands White Paper as Historic Kohe Imam-e-Zamin Shrine Faces Neglect and Encroachments

400-Year-Old Kohe Imam-e-Zamin Ashoorkhana in Hyderabad Cries for Protection; Shias Seek Wakf Board Action

Hyderabad’Feb 24 (Syed Hussain Ali Sajjad-PMI) The hilltop shrine of Kohe Imam-e-Zamin in Hyderabad’s Ammuguda area—an over 400-year-old Ashoorkhana—continues to suffer from neglect, encroachments, and lack of basic infrastructure despite its historical and religious importance.

Believed to date back to the reign of Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, the site is associated with Imam Musa al‑Reza (Imam-e-Zamin), the eighth Imam of Shia Muslims, born in Medina and buried in Mashhad, Iran. The shrine attracts devotees seeking blessings for safe journeys, life assurances, and marital well-being, with newlyweds among regular visitors.

Perched atop a rocky hill—once identified as Maulali Hill during the Qutb Shahi era—the dargah can be reached either by climbing 167 steep steps or via a motorable ramp. The surrounding landscape of Deccan boulders offers scenic views and potential for hiking, bouldering, and trail running, though experts say the area lacks proper infrastructure.

Rock-climbing facilitators note that illegal blasting has destroyed major rock formations, while defense restrictions limit public activities. They also claim that nearly 60 percent of Wakf land in the vicinity has been encroached upon.

Begum Razvi, the hereditary mutawalli (caretaker) and 11th-generation custodian, highlighted severe civic issues: absence of street lighting, unsafe conditions after dark, lack of drinking water facilities, damaged sewer lines, and inadequate security. She said repeated complaints to the Telangana State Wakf Board have yielded little action.

Officials acknowledge the challenges. A former Shia member of the Wakf board stated the property is a notified Wakf site but lies amid defense lands, limiting enforcement capacity. He noted that earlier complaints to local authorities, including the Trimulgherry Police Station, temporarily halted illegal quarrying, which later resumed.

According to a member of the Telangana Wakf Board, the Kohe Imam Zamin covers a total area of 82 acres and 27 guntas.

Despite its spiritual significance, natural beauty, and tourism potential, Kohe Imam-e-Zamin remains largely underdeveloped—raising concerns among devotees, conservationists, and local residents about the preservation of one of the region’s lesser-known heritage landmarks.

Shia Muslims have demanded that the Waqf Board issue a white paper on this issue. (pressmediaofindia.com)