The notice, issued last week, identifies the church as an “encroachment” on railway land and orders it to vacate the premises by 12 December, 2024
Published Nov 17, 2024 | 2:15 PM ⚊ Updated Nov 17, 2024 | 2:15 PM
Hyderabad’s century-old Sacred Heart Church faces eviction from South Central Railways
Sacred Heart Church in Lallaguda, a century-old historical and religious landmark, has been served with an eviction notice by the South Central Railways (SCR).
The notice, issued last week, identifies the church as an “encroachment” on railway land and orders it to vacate the premises by 12 December, 2024.
#Telangana: #Hyderabad‘s Century-old Sacred Heart Church in Lallaguda received an eviction notice from the South Central Railways.
Identifying the structure as an encroachment on the SLGD Officers and Staff Colony land, it instructed the church to vacate the premises by 12… pic.twitter.com/UEJeUPsEVe
— South First (@TheSouthfirst) November 17, 2024
The church, which was established in 1927, has been a significant part of the Lallaguda community, with its distinctive bell and cross-shaped architecture serving as a symbol of local faith and heritage.
According to the SCR’s notice, the church occupies land that is part of the SLGD Officers and Staff Colony, and the church building is considered an unauthorised structure.
The notice warns that failure to comply with the eviction directive could lead to proceedings under the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act, 1971, potentially resulting in legal action.
The church has been a pivotal part of Lallaguda’s history, particularly for the Catholic community, which has deep ties to the area. Originally a small colony housing employees of the Nizam’s Guaranteed State Railway Company, Lallaguda was home to a handful of Catholics who would gather for Mass in a nearby railway school.
In 1927, after an agreement between the Railways and local church authorities, land was allocated for the construction of Sacred Heart Church. The project was supported by the Nizam of Hyderabad, who contributed ₹1,000 to the ₹7,000 construction cost.
The church was formally blessed by Monsignor Vismara, the third Bishop of Hyderabad, and became a central place of worship for the community. One of the church’s most iconic features is its bell, which, according to church records, stirred up some controversy in the early years.
The bell rang at 5:30 a.m. to signal Mass, prompting complaints from some non-Catholic residents who found the early morning tolling disruptive. However, Fr. Tinti, the church’s first priest, deftly handled the situation, ensuring the bell’s continued use while maintaining peace in the community.
Over the decades, the church has undergone several renovations. In the 1970s, during the tenure of Fr. Madanu Arogyam, an asbestos structure with a gallery was added. This was later replaced with a reinforced concrete roof under the leadership of Fr. Chopparapu Arogyam in the late 1990s.
The church was further renovated in 2004 when Archbishop Marampudi Joji blessed the newly refurbished chapel.
Despite its long-standing history and connection to the local population, the recent eviction notice has raised concerns within the church community. Church officials and residents have expressed dismay over the development, as the church is viewed not only as a place of worship but also a vital cultural and historical institution for the area.
The situation remains unresolved, with local leaders urging the South Central Railways to reconsider the decision, citing the church’s deep historical roots and the emotional attachment it holds for generations of Lallaguda residents.
(Edited by Ananya Rao)
