A group of Shia clerics, led by Maulana Kalbe Jawwad, visited the under-construction parking site near Rumi Darwaza in Lucknow, escalating their opposition to the proposed parking facility and the 'Laziz Gali' project on Hussainabad Trust land. The clerics, along with members of Anjuman-e-Haaye Matami and devotees, inspected the site after Friday prayers to assess the situation. The issue has sparked concern among the Shia community, who assert that the land holds religious and heritage significance.
Clerics Question Legality of Construction
Maulana Kalbe Jawwad claimed that the construction was unauthorized and accused the district administration of allowing encroachments. He questioned the administrative process, stating that decisions regarding trust property cannot be made without a duly constituted committee. The clerics also raised objections to the development of 'Laziz Gali', alleging that permission was limited to development work and did not include commercial construction.
Demand for Committee Oversight
The delegation warned that no construction activity would be accepted on trust land unless a five-member committee is formed to oversee decisions. They demanded transparency and adherence to proper procedures in managing trust properties.
Administration Defends Projects
Husainabad Trust secretary and ADM (East), Lucknow, Mahendra Pal Singh, defended the projects, stating that the objections are baseless. He clarified that the land is not being given to anyone but is being redeveloped to promote tourism. Singh highlighted that Lucknow was recently recognized as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, and Laziz Gali is being developed to provide an Awadhi culinary experience to tourists from around the world. He added that half of the revenue generated from the project will be shared with the Husainabad Trust.
The administration maintains that the projects are in the interest of public development and tourism promotion, and that all legal procedures have been followed.
