Century-old Sacred Heart Church receives eviction notice from South Central Railway

Hyderabad: A nearly 100-year-old church in Lallaguda of Secunderabad has been served an eviction notice by the South Central Railway (SCR. The SCR claims that the religious structure was constructed illegally on encroached land.

The notice stated that the Sacred Heart Church, constructed in 1927 and serving as a parish for the Catholic community, has been asked to vacate the premises by December 12, 2024. Failing compliance, SCR warned it would initiate legal proceedings under the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorized Occupants) Act, 1971. According to the notice, the church occupies 3,534 square meters of railway land within the SLG Officer and Staff Colony.

Christian community responds

Reacting to the development, the Christian community strongly refuted allegations of encroachment. The community asserted that the religious structure was built during the British era with the required permissions and necessary paperwork supporting its construction.

Roydin Roach, a Christian leader, dismissed the notice as a general advisory affecting all religious sites lacking proper paperwork. He added that the community leaders are discussing the issue with railway authorities.

“We have clarified our legal status with the railway authorities and are confident that the church is not in violation of any rules. This notice appears to be part of a general advisory sent to various religious establishments,” said Roydin Roach, a Christian leader.

A piece of history

The Sacred Heart Church was constructed in the early 20th century when Lallaguda was the loco headquarters of the Nizam’s Guaranteed State Railway Company. Initially, religious services were held in the Railway School until the Railways officially allotted land for the church, and its construction started in July 1927.

The construction, designed in the shape of a cross, cost Rs. 7,000. The then Nizam Mir Osman Ali Khan contributed Rs. 1,000 towards the construction project.

The church has seen numerous renovations and modifications under the leadership of notable clergy like Fr. Madanu Arogyam and Fr. Chopparapu Arogyam. The church bell continues to ring, symbolizing the church’s resilience.