Renovation works are under way at Moula Ali Dargah in Secunderabad. Rock is being cut to create vehicular access up the steep hill, providing an alternative for visitors who find the steps difficult to climb. (Image: DC)

Hyderabad: For generations, devotees have climbed the 507 steps of Moula Ali Hill to reach the dargah of Hazrat Ali, also known as Koh-e-Moula Ali. Now, a road-cum-ramp is being laid up the historic hill to make the shrine accessible to elderly devotees and visitors, who find the steep climb difficult.

The hill, which rises about 2,017 feet above sea level and is located around 10 miles north of Hyderabad, is also a place visited by people who come to explore its history and landscape. The new road, however, has triggered concerns among some local residents who say the work is altering the hill's historic rock formation and changing the appearance of the shrine.

According to sources, the road construction is estimated to cost around Rs.20 crore. The involvement of political leaders or parties is contributing to the project in terms of funding.

Sayeed, supervisor at the dargah, said the road was taken up after repeated requests from devotees, who found it difficult to climb the steps. “People come from different states and even other countries to visit the dargah. Some come after their wishes are fulfilled. For elderly people, climbing all 507 steps is difficult. The ramp is being constructed to make it easier for them to reach the top,” he said.

A hill with centuries of history

Moula Ali Hill is associated with Hazrat Ali ibn Abi Talib. According to the historical account at the shrine, Yakut, an attendant of Qutb Shahi ruler Sultan Ibrahim Qutb Shah, dreamt of Hazrat Ali asking him to climb the hill. After recovering from illness, Yakut climbed the hill and found an impression resembling Hazrat Ali’s palm on a rock. Sultan Ibrahim Qutb Shah later visited the site and ordered a boundary wall to be built. Yakut is also said to have started the Sandal ceremony on the 16th of Rajab and Charaghan, the illumination of the hill, on the 17th of Rajab, traditions that continue to draw devotees.

Renovation after years

Alongside the road work, restoration of the dargah has also begun after several years, Sayeed said. The renovation is being supported by a donation from Kamran Mirza Shakeebai and includes work on the walls, ceilings and glass elements of the structure.

Over the years, the dargah also faced basic infrastructure problems. Sayeed said frequent power cuts had been a major issue until a transformer was installed with the help of former MLA Mynampally Hanumanth Rao.

Road and drainage works were also taken up at the foothill, he said, to prevent water from stagnating in the area.

The proposed road will also provide access for vehicles and parking at the top of the hill and a security post is also planned there, said Sayeed.

He said security remained a concern, particularly at night. “Youngsters from nearby areas sometimes climb the hill and stay here at night. There have been instances of illegal activities. We have written to the police several times. They come and leave, but regular patrolling is needed,” he said.

More than a place of worship

Sayeed said the hill attracts around 5,000 visitors even without publicity, while the footfall crosses 10,000 during festivals.

During a visit by Deccan Chronicle, visitors included families, college students and people, who had come to explore the hill. The steps, rock formations and views from the hill continue to draw visitors beyond those coming specifically to the dargah. But some residents fear that the changes could come at the cost of the hill's character.

“We all want the dargah to be developed. But initially, only two points were to be drilled. Now the rock is being drilled extensively and large stones are being brought to the bottom of the hill,” said Hussain, a resident.

He said the road was changing the appearance of the hill and suggested that alternatives such as a ropeway could have been considered for visitors unable to climb the steps.

“The structure looks different now. There were other options to provide access to people, who cannot or do not want to climb the steps. A ropeway could have been considered,” he said.

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