New Delhi
The Delhi Waqf Board has decided to undertake the repairs of all the damaged portions of the historic Shahi Jama Masjid in Delhi due to strong heavy winds and rain on Monday. The main dome of the mosque was badly damaged and fell off under the impact of the storm and needed immediate repair.
The Waqf Board has outlined a plan for repairs which will be undertaken under the supervision of a team of experts. The team is expected to carry out a detailed survey and review of the site. Under this, a team of officials of the National Trust for Art and Culture Heritage and Delhi Waqf Board visited Jama Masjid on Wednesday and reviewed the damage.
Chairman of the Board Amanatullah Khan and Director of National Trust for Art and Culture Heritage were also present for the inspection.
According to the Shahi Imam of Jama Masjid, many stones of the building fell under the impact of a squall two days ago; the multi-ton tower of the big dome was split into three parts. Its two parts fell. A portion of it is still swinging on the dome and it would fall at any time. In such a situation, it needs to be removed and repaired on a priority basis.
Waqf Board Chairman Amanatullah Khan said, "The work will be started soon on priority. A part of the turret of the big dome in the middle of the mosque has broken and fallen to the ground. In many places, an iron rod was installed over the dome, two parts of which have fallen to the ground. This has caused damage to automatic towers.
Jama Masjid before the squal hit its dome
Surprisingly, the turret on the dome of the historic Shahi Mosque is made of many precious metals including gold. The parts are mounted on an iron rod attached to the dome. The work of installing domes on these towers will be started again. The dome is anchored to trees around to prevent further damage to it.
Significantly, Jama Masjid has been in a dilapidated condition for a long time. In recent times many big stones have got detached and are in danger of falling. Some of them have fallen in the courtyard. Shahi Imam Syed Ahmed Bukhari recently wrote a letter to the Department of Archaeology in which he had explained why the monument needs urgent attention.
Many MPs have raised the issue of restoration of Jama Masjid in Parliament but to no avail. The National Trust for Art and Culture Heritage is to be entrusted with the responsibility of comprehensive renovation of the entire Jama Masjid. It will take Rs 50 crore and three years.
.webp "Jama Masjid with broken Kalas")
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