Srinagar, Apr 6: A major tragedy was averted Friday when a  portion of the historic 16th century Qalai constructed by Mughal Emperor Jalal Ud Din Muhammad Akbar collapsed during repairs of the rampart by Tourism department.
 The incident took place near Sangeen Darwaza, a gate towards the Hawal side where the wall repairs were going on. Witnesses said a mason was wounded in the incident and rushed to hospital.
 The Qalai residents alleged that substandard material was being used in the repairs.
 “Otherwise how would a wall which has withstood all odds and evens collapse that too during repairs?” the locals argued adding that the matter should be probed.
 "What if the boulders had fallen on our houses or had hit us," the locals added.
 For the past few months the Tourism department has started wall repairs and some other developments in the area coming up at an estimated cost of about Rs 38 crore.
 Despite repeated attempts Director Tourism didn’t respond to phone calls.

Lastupdate on : Fri, 6 Apr 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Fri, 6 Apr 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sat, 7 Apr 2012 00:00:00 IST