Hyderabad: The Old Idgah at Madannapet is now being eyed by land grabbers, local residents pointed out. A welder, according to residents, had put up an asbestos shed abutting the ‘Nakkar Khana’, a stone structure which is a part of the Idgah. Two big shutters have also been fitted. The Madannapet Idgah is around 400 years old and is a listed heritage monument.
Nakkar Khana is a place built in palaces and palatial houses and other important places during the Qutb Shahi and Asaf Jahi period were drums and Shenai were played by musicians. “There is every possibility that the Nakkar Khana will be demolished as the intention of the grabbers is to take over the land. Already a big area has been encroached,” complained Mr Syed Mohammed Yousuf Madani.
The residents complained about the encroachment to the Department of Archaeology and Museums and the GHMC. However, they say no action has been initiated so far. P. Anuradha Reddy, a member of INTACH, said, authorities should take immediate action. “It is surprising that despite complaints no official has visited the place. It clearly shows how sincere they are in protecting heritage monuments,” she added.
“We called officials of the TS Wakf Board and GHMC. But no action has been taken so far,” said Mr Madani. When contacted Wakf Board officials said that they had rushed the local wakf inspector and have asked him to submit a report. GHMC officials were unavailable for comments.
