Why mosque near Charar-i-Sharief unsafe after Rs 34 cr investment: Er Yatoo

Budgam, Oct 20: Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) general secretary for Kashmir Province, Er Nazir Yatoo on Sunday raised serious concerns over the safety of the Khanqah (mosque) at Charar-i-Sharief constructed at a cost of Rs 34 crore.
In a statement issued here, Yatoo expressed deep disappointment over the “inefficiency” of the executing agency, JKPCC, which has resulted in significant technical faults in the structure.
“It is shocking that despite the enormous sum spent, the mosque adjacent to the revered shrine of Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Wali (RA) has developed serious technical flaws. Even after four years no inquiry or action has been initiated to address the issues. This negligence is unacceptable, he said.
The DPAP leader said, “In 2021, a joint team of experts from NIT Srinagar and JKPCC inspected the mosque to assess the extent of damage. After a thorough review, the team concluded that the affected area posed a risk to public safety and should not be used for mass gatherings until necessary repairs are made. JKPCC shifted the responsibility to the Mechanical Engineering Department of R&B. Yet, no action has been initiated.”
As the Urs of Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Wali (RA) is approaching, the authorities should have done repairs to ensure the safety of worshippers, Yatoo said. He appealed to authorities to take immediate action and thorough investigation of the matter to ensure that the structure is made safe.