Hyderabad's Muslim Community Struggles to Find Burial Space Amidst Land Encroachments
As real estate values soar in Hyderabad, illegal encroachments on Muslim graveyards are making it difficult for families to find burial spaces, leading to increased costs and legal battles.
HyderabadMuslim GraveyardsReal EstateLand EncroachmentBurial CostsReal Estate NewsMay 18, 2025
The last few years have seen a surge in this trend as real estate prices have skyrocketed. According to some Wakf activists, illegal encroachments on graveyards have led to several officially notified Muslim burial grounds being declared full, with no space for new burials. “Many Muslim graveyards are under the control of land grabbers, and dead bodies are not allowed to be buried. People are facing a lot of difficulties in finding burial space,” said Nayeemullah Shareef of the Waqf Properties Protection Cell. As a result, burials have become expensive, with families having to pay anywhere from Rs 10,000 to Rs 1 lakh, depending on the spiritual significance of the graveyard.
“Taking advantage of the situation, caretakers of the graveyards are selling old grave space for up to Rs 30,000. The rates are higher in graveyards inside major dargah premises. I urge the state government to conduct a survey of Muslim graveyards in the city and remove all illegal encroachments. Graveyard caretakers should be asked to fix nominal charges for burial spaces, while those charging exorbitant amounts must face criminal charges,” demanded another activist, Mohd Habeebuddin.
Habeeb pointed out that graveyards are disappearing in upscale areas like Puppalguda due to rapid urbanization. According to the Gazette published in 1984, the area of the graveyard was more than nine acres. “This graveyard has now shrunk to 100 square yards. This is the scale of encroachment, often with active political backing,” alleged Habeeb.
In the past, the Wakf Board has been accused of colluding with land grabbers. The graveyard committee of Dargah Syed Ali Kulle Shah Darvesh at Petbasheerabad, under Quthbullapur, alleged that whatever remained of the graveyard fell into the hands of land sharks, with the active connivance of a Wakf inspector and its CEO in 2020. The committee claimed that the Wakf Board not only failed to protect its interests but its officials were in cahoots with a builder who approached the High Court, claiming the land parcel meant for the graveyard at Survey No. 39 of Petbasheerabad.
The issue of encroachment on Muslim graveyards in Hyderabad is a pressing concern that requires immediate attention from the government and community leaders. Ensuring that these sacred spaces are protected and accessible to all is crucial for the well-being and dignity of the Muslim community in the city.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is causing the shortage of burial space for Muslims in Hyderabad?
The shortage of burial space for Muslims in Hyderabad is primarily due to illegal encroachments on Muslim graveyards and the high real estate values in the city, which have led to the reduction of open spaces.
How much do families have to pay for burial space in Hyderabad?
Families in Hyderabad have to pay anywhere from Rs 10,000 to Rs 1 lakh for burial space, depending on the spiritual significance of the graveyard and the availability of space.
What are some of the areas in Hyderabad where graveyards are disappearing?
Graveyards are disappearing in upmarket areas like Puppalguda due to rapid urbanization and illegal encroachments. Some graveyards have shrunk from nine acres to just 100 square yards.
What role has the Wakf Board played in the issue of graveyards in Hyderabad?
The Wakf Board has been accused of colluding with land grabbers in the past. The board has been criticized for failing to protect the interests of the community and allowing illegal encroachments on Muslim graveyards.
What actions are activists and community leaders demanding from the government?
Activists and community leaders are demanding that the state government conduct a survey of Muslim graveyards, remove all illegal encroachments, and ensure that caretakers fix nominal charges for burial spaces while holding those who charge exorbitant amounts accountable.
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