IIOJK: Concern expressed over deteriorating drainage condition, illegal constructions around Srinagar Jamia Masjid
Srinagar: In Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, Anjuman Auqaf of Jamia Masjid, Srinagar, has expressed its deep concern over the deteriorating drainage condition and illegal constructions around the mosque.
According to Kashmir Media Service, an emergency meeting of Anjuman Auqaf of Jamia Masjid was held under the chairmanship of Mirwaiz Umar Farooq.
The meeting reviewed the ongoing repair work in the historic Jamia Masjid, drainage problems and construction violations in the vicinity and emphasized that this work should be carried out with utmost care, quality and responsibility keeping in mind the historical, religious and architectural importance of the Jamia Masjid.
The meeting also reviewed the water situation in Srinagar, especially around the historic Jamia Masjid and Nowhatta after the recent rains.
General Secretary of Anjuman Auqaf Haji Altaf Ahmed apprised the Mirwaiz about the alarming situation of the drainage system around the Jamia Masjid. He said the drainage system around the mosque has become largely inefficient and is blocked at several places.
The members of the Auqaf further said rainwater from the vicinity of Nowhatta flows towards the drainage system of the Jamia Masjid, as a result of which water accumulates around the mosque during rains. The members feared that if this problem is not solved in time, repeated accumulation of water may gradually damage this historical heritage.
The meeting was also informed that this issue has already been raised through several written correspondences with the relevant departments, in which a request has been made to clean, restore the drainage system and establish proper connection with the deep drainage system.
The meeting emphasized that timely maintenance, effective conservation measures and proper urban planning are indispensable for the protection of the historical environment of the Jamia Masjid and its surroundings.
The Auqaf also informed the Mirwaiz about the construction violations and unauthorized constructions around the Jamia Masjid. It was stated that four to five multi-storey buildings and shopping complexes constructed in violation of rules and regulations have affected the historical environment, traditional beauty and identity of the Jamia Masjid.
The members said this matter has also already been brought to the notice of the authorities concerned and stressed that these violations should be reviewed on priority basis and effective action should be taken as per the law.
It was also emphasized that no unauthorized construction should be allowed in the vicinity of the Jamia Masjid in the future.
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq directed the Auqaf staff to take up both these issues with the relevant departments and authorities as soon as possible and follow them up in a coordinated manner so that the drainage system can be restored, the Jamia Masjid can be protected from future waterlogging and its historical identity and the surrounding heritage can be ensured.
It should be noted that the Jamia Masjid is considered one of the most important religious, historical and architectural heritages of Srinagar and has been the centre of religious, social and cultural life of the people here for centuries.
