Srinagar, 22 July: President Anjuman Auqaf Jama Masjid and chief cleric, Mohammad Umar Farooq, on Wednesday chaired a meeting of the Anjuman Auqaf Jama Masjid to review the ongoing restoration and conservation work at the iconic mosque.
Problems of drainage and water logging have posed a threat to the architectural marvel that Jama Masjid is.
According to a statement issued by Mirwaiz, the head priest “reviewed the progress of the restoration work and the situation arising from the recent waterlogging in Srinagar City, particularly in and around the Jama Masjid and Nowhatta area.”
Auqaf General Secretary Haji Ahmad apprised the Mirwaiz of the concerning condition of the drainage system surrounding Jama Masjid.
The Auqaf members 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 voiced concern over “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 statement added.
The members said that the issue had already been brought to the notice of the concerned authorities. The statement stressed that “such violations should be examined on a priority basis and dealt with seriously in accordance with law.”
