Srinagar, July 22 (KDC): Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir and President of Anjuman Auqaf Jama Masjid, Dr Moulvi Mohammad Umar Farooq, on Wednesday chaired a meeting of the Auqaf to review the ongoing restoration and conservation work at the historic Jama Masjid Srinagar, while expressing concern over the deteriorating drainage system and alleged building violations in the vicinity of the heritage mosque.
During the meeting, the Mirwaiz reviewed the progress of the restoration work and stressed that the conservation of the centuries-old mosque should be carried out with utmost care, ensuring that its historic and architectural character is preserved.
The meeting also discussed the recent waterlogging witnessed in Srinagar, particularly in and around the Jama Masjid and Nowhatta areas. Auqaf General Secretary Haji Altaf Ahmad informed the meeting that the surface drainage network surrounding the mosque has become largely non-functional, with several stretches clogged and disconnected from the deep drainage system.
Members of the Auqaf said rainwater from the surrounding Nowhatta locality flows towards the mosque’s drainage network, leading to water accumulation around the historic structure during spells of heavy rainfall. They expressed concern that repeated waterlogging could gradually damage the mosque if the issue is not addressed on priority.
The meeting was informed that the Auqaf had already taken up the matter with the concerned departments through written communications, urging them to clean, restore and properly connect the drainage system.
The meeting also raised concern over alleged building violations and unauthorised constructions around the historic mosque. According to the Auqaf, four to five multi-storey buildings and shopping complexes have come up in violation of prescribed norms, adversely affecting the traditional character and visual setting of the heritage site.
The members said the issue had already been brought to the notice of the authorities and urged them to examine the violations on priority and take action in accordance with the law. They also called for measures to prevent any further unauthorised construction in the vicinity of the mosque.
Describing Jama Masjid Srinagar as one of Kashmir’s most significant religious, historical and architectural landmarks, the meeting underscored the need for timely maintenance, effective civic planning and strict heritage conservation to safeguard the mosque and its surroundings.
The Mirwaiz directed the Auqaf to pursue both the drainage and building violation issues with the concerned departments in a coordinated manner to ensure restoration of the drainage network, protection of the mosque from future waterlogging and preservation of its historic surroundings. (KDC)
