Shia Clerics Oppose Construction Near Rumi Darwaza, Warn Against Encroachment on Hussainabad Waqf Land

Shia Clerics Oppose Construction Near Rumi Darwaza, Warn Against Encroachment on Hussainabad Waqf Land
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Shia clerics and community members in Lucknow have intensified their opposition to construction work near the historic Rumi Darwaza, alleging that the parking facility and the proposed “Laziz Gali” project threaten land belonging to the Hussainabad Trust.

A delegation led by prominent Shia cleric Maulana Kalbe Jawwad visited the under-construction parking site near Rumi Darwaza after Friday prayers, accompanied by members of Anjuman-e-Haaye Matami and devotees. The visit, community representatives said, strengthened fears that the project is not merely about parking or tourism development, but could result in the gradual occupation and commercial use of land associated with the Hussainabad Waqf.

According to the clerics, no construction activity on trust land should proceed without proper religious and administrative oversight. Maulana Kalbe Jawwad reportedly questioned the legality of the construction and accused the district administration of allowing encroachment. He also argued that decisions concerning trust property cannot be taken without a duly constituted committee.

Community members have also objected to the proposed “Laziz Gali” development, saying that permission, if any, was limited to development work and did not authorise commercial construction. The delegation warned that no activity would be accepted on the land unless a five-member committee is formed to oversee decisions involving the trust property.

The concern among Shia residents is not limited to land ownership. For many devotees, the Hussainabad area is inseparable from Lucknow’s Shia identity, Muharram traditions, azadari, and the historic legacy of the Nawabi period. Clerics argue that development must not come at the cost of religious sanctity, community rights, or heritage preservation.

Officials, however, have rejected the allegations. Hussainabad Trust secretary and ADM East, Lucknow, Mahendra Pal Singh, said the objections were “baseless” and maintained that the land was not being handed over to anyone but redeveloped to promote tourism. He said the Laziz Gali project was linked to Lucknow’s recognition as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy and added that half of the revenue from the project would be shared with the Hussainabad Trust.

Lucknow was added to UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network as a City of Gastronomy on October 31, 2025, a recognition meant to celebrate the city’s culinary heritage.