Shia clerics oppose construction works near Rumi Darwaza

Lucknow: A group of Shia clerics led by Maulana Kalbe Jawwad visited the under-construction parking site near Rumi Darwaza, intensifying their opposition to the proposed parking facility and the 'Laziz Gali' project on Hussainabad Trust land.

Clerics, members of Anjuman-e-Haaye Matami and devotees visited the site after Friday prayers to assess the situation. The issue has triggered concern among members of the Shia community, who claim the land carries religious and heritage significance.

Maulana Kalbe Jawwad claimed that the construction was unauthorised and accused the district administration of allowing encroachments. He questioned the administrative process, stating that decisions regarding trust property could not be taken without a duly constituted committee.

Clerics also raised objections to the development of 'Laziz Gali', alleging that permission was limited to development work and did not include commercial construction.

The delegation warned that no construction activity would be accepted on trust land unless a five-member committee is formed to oversee decisions.

Husainabad Trust secretary and ADM (East), Lucknow, Mahendra Pal Singh, said, “The objections are baseless, as the land is not being given to anyone, but it’s being redeveloped to promote tourism. Recently, Lucknow was recognised as Unesco Creative City of Gastronomy, therefore, we are developing Laziz Gali, which will provide Awadhi culinary experience to tourists coming from across the globe. Half of the revenue generated from the project will be shared with the Husainabad Trust.”