Srinagar is famous for its beauty and attractive landscapes. The city is flanked by famous lakes like Dal and Nageen. Most of the historical places and monuments fall in the old city popularly known as Shahri Khas. These places include the shrines of saints like Shahi Hamdan (RA), Makhdoom Sahib (RA), Dastageer Sahib (RA), Naqsband Sahib (RA) and Jamia Masjid, Mulla Akhoon Shah Masjid, Nagar Nagar (Kohi-Maran area) surrounded by a historical wall (Kalai), the worship places for Hindus and Sikhs like Hariparbat Mandir, Gurduwara Chatti Padshahi, Shiv temple at Jogi Lanker and temples in Habba Kadal area. The Srinagar city in general and Shari-Khas in particular, however, has been neglected by the successive regimes that have ruled the Jammu and Kashmir over the years. I remember when I was a kid I used to see foreigners clicking pictures of Makhdoom Sahib (RA) shrine with Kohi-Maran at its backdrop from the city’s largest graveyard Malkah. During those days, the Kalai surrounding the Kohi Maran was visible on all sides. But with the passage of time and the eruption of militancy, the Srinagar city lost its grandeur. The city was neglected in all respects. The Kalai is there but is not visible due to encroachments made by the Safai Karamcharies who have made their hutments on both sides of this historical wall. There has always been drainage and sewerage problem in the city. The drainage or sewerage pipes are being laid but these continue to flow in the water bodies and lakes of the city. We have lost Anchar, Khushalsar, Bunamsar, Brari Numbal etc. The Wyeth (River Jehlum) which once used to be a crystal clear river is now carrying the sewage of over 4.5 Lac latrines (A report carried by Greater Kashmir last year) and it is no more a fresh water body. Similar is the case with Dal, Nigeen and other water bodies of the city.  The city needs to be protected.

Azhar Aftab
aftiazhar@yahoo.com

Lastupdate on : Sun, 27 Mar 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sun, 27 Mar 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Mon, 28 Mar 2011 00:00:00 IST