Srinagar: Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir and President Anjuman Auqaf Jama Masjid, Dr. Moulvi Mohammad Umar Farooq, chaired an important meeting of the Anjuman Auqaf Jama Masjid Srinagar and took stock of the ongoing restoration and conservation work at the historic Jama Masjid.
During the meeting, the progress of the restoration work was reviewed, and the need to ensure that it is carried out carefully, efficiently and in keeping with the historic and architectural character of the mosque was emphasised.
The meeting also reviewed the situation arising from the recent waterlogging in Srinagar, particularly in and around the historic Jama Masjid and Nowhatta area.
Auqaf General Secretary Haji Altaf Ahmad apprised the Mirwaiz of the concerning condition of the drainage system surrounding Jama Masjid. He informed him that the surface drain around the mosque has largely become non-functional, remains clogged at several points and is not properly connected to the deep drainage system.
The Auqaf members further said that rainwater from the surrounding Nowhatta area flows towards the mosque’s drainage network, resulting in water accumulation around the mosque during spells of rain. The members expressed concern that repeated waterlogging could gradually affect the historic structure if the issue is not addressed in time.
The meeting was also informed that the matter had previously been taken up with the concerned departments through written communications, seeking cleaning, restoration and proper connectivity of the drainage system.
Jama Masjid Srinagar is one of Kashmir’s most important religious, historical and architectural landmarks and has remained central to the religious and social life of the people for centuries. The meeting stressed the need to ensure that the mosque and its surroundings are protected through timely maintenance, proper conservation and effective civic planning.
The Auqaf also informed the Mirwaiz about building violations and unauthorised constructions in the immediate vicinity of Jama Masjid. Four to five multi-storey buildings and shopping complexes raised in violation of norms have affected the traditional character and appearance of the surroundings of the historic mosque.
The members said that the issue had already been brought to the notice of the concerned authorities and stressed that such violations should be examined on a priority basis and dealt with seriously in accordance with law. They also emphasised the need to prevent any further unauthorised construction around the heritage mosque.
The Mirwaiz instructed the Auqaf to take up both matters at the earliest with the concerned departments and authorities and pursue them in a coordinated manner so that the drainage system is restored, the mosque is protected from further waterlogging and the historic character of its surroundings is preserved.