Hyderabad: Minorities Welfare Minister Mohammed Azharuddin on Monday led a high-level review that resolved the long-pending Qabristan land allotment hurdle in Jubilee Hills.
The meeting, held at the Telangana State Secretariat, reinforced the Congress government’s stance on minority welfare and strict protection of government lands. Revenue, Housing and Information & Public Relations Minister Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy, Jubilee Hills MLA Naveen Yadav, and Faheem Quraishi attended the review, along with senior officials and Qabristan Committee representatives from Erragadda, Borabanda and Shaikpet.
During the review, Azharuddin placed the long-standing hardships of minority communities before the government. He said residents had struggled for decades due to the absence of designated Qabristan land. Consequently, officials issued clear administrative directions to close the issue without delay.
Qabristan land allotment and protection of public assets reviewed
Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy said government lands were public assets and warned officials against negligence or encroachment. Therefore, he directed departments to adopt strict and coordinated measures to safeguard land meant for public welfare and minority needs.
To expedite the Qabristan land allotment, he instructed close coordination among the Revenue Department, Defence Department and the Waqf Board. Where required, the Revenue Department will transfer land to Defence authorities. In exchange, officials will secure alternative land and hand over suitable Revenue land to the Waqf Board for burial grounds.
Officials recalled that Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy had assured completion of the land allotment before December 31. Following Azharuddin’s intervention, officials confirmed that the government had fulfilled the assurance. Members of the Qabristan Committees raised their concerns, and officials addressed them during the meeting.
Further, Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy warned vested interests against encroaching on government lands meant for welfare and development. Accordingly, he directed officials to identify encroachments, issue notices and reclaim land wherever violations surfaced. District Collectors received instructions to act firmly and strictly within the law.
After the meeting, senior officials received directions to complete all formalities without delay. As a result, residents of Erragadda, Borabanda and Shaikpet received long-awaited relief.
Representatives of the Qabristan Committees thanked Mohammed Azharuddin for sustained follow-up and strong advocacy. They said his leadership played a decisive role in resolving the issue.
Later, Azharuddin thanked Chief Minister Revanth Reddy for his support. He said the Congress government would continue addressing every genuine minority issue in Telangana. He added that minority welfare remained a priority backed by action.
The meeting also included Minorities Welfare Department Secretary B. Shafeeullah and the District Collectors of Hyderabad and Medchal.