Waqf for clarity on records for Telangana land survey

HYDERABAD: For greater clarity and in an attempt to bring about a reconciliation of Waqf and revenue records, the

Telangana State Waqf Board

has assembled a team of over 30 staff members to submit documents of endowed properties to district collectors.

Sources from the

board

said that at a meeting with officials on Wednesday , board members said that the exercise would be a part of the state's comprehensive land survey . The documents of over 39,000 Waqf institutions in the state would provide the basis for the board to stake its claim to land parcels which are being claimed by 'third parties'.

Board members

Mallik Moatasim Khan

and

Syed Akbar Nizamuddin Hussaini

are working with staff members on the subject.

The sources said that the Telangana comprehensive land survey proforma has a column for Waqf properties which has to be filled. The board intends to use this provision to state its stand.

Physical copies and soft copies of gazettes will be given to district collectors and other revenue officials of all 31 districts of the state.

“There are several instances in which land parcels have been claimed by private parties. It appears that pattas have been allotted in cases to individuals. By furnishing Waqf gazettes, which states the extent of land and boundaries, the board will have made its case,'' an official who did not wish to be identified said.

The source opined that once the government accepts the board's position, it would be easier for it to declare those in occupation as encroacher. “However, more efforts may be required to declare those in possession of Waqf lands as encroachers,“ he added.

Speaking to TOI, board member Syed Akbar Nizamuddin Hussaini said that the exercise will provide the necessary grounds to iron out inconsistencies between revenue and Waqf records. “It will be beneficial for the cause of Waqf protection if the position of the board is explained to the government. We will have reasons to say that we have mentioned that the nature of a certain property which has private claimants is Waqf,'' he said.

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