After removing the long-standing encroachments near the Dargah Faiz-e-Ilahi Mosque at Turkman Gate, which had been a nuisance for the public, the historic Jama Masjid in Old Delhi will now also be cleared of encroachments. The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has initiated the process for this. A comprehensive survey campaign will soon be conducted to identify the encroachments, after which action will be taken to remove them. According to an MCD official, the comprehensive survey will begin soon, and some officials have been assigned responsibility for it.
High Court Mandates Action Within Two Months
According to a High Court order, the survey and the action against encroachments must be completed within two months. In this matter, Hemant Chaudhary, the lawyer for the petitioners in the High Court, stated that Shahi Imam Syed Ahmed Bukhari and his family are accused of encroaching on the open spaces of the mosque to build parking and a hospital. This has blocked pedestrian pathways and is affecting the significance of the historic monument.
Scale Of The Issue: 2,000 Vendors And Illegal Structures
Around the historic Jama Masjid, more than 2,000 street vendors have encroached upon the area, along with illegal parking and permanent structures. This problem has been growing for several years, causing significant difficulties for people visiting the area. As a result, the Mughal-era mosque and its surrounding area are losing their identity. Tourists also face considerable inconvenience. While local shopkeepers are pleased with this move, some people are refraining from commenting on it. Jama Masjid's spokesperson, Shahiullah, declined to comment on the matter.
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Specific Areas Affected: Meena Bazar And Urdu Bazar
The problem of encroachment is severe. Illegal parking, unauthorised markets, and illegal constructions have come up on government land in the parks near gates number three, five, and seven of the Jama Masjid. The problem of encroachment is severe in Meena Bazar, adjacent to gate number two of the Jama Masjid, extending from Meena Bazar to Subhash Marg. Similarly, the problem of encroachment is also severe on Urdu Bazar Road, in front of gate number one. Here too, in addition to illegal parking, shopkeepers have encroached upon the pavement and the main road.
Allegations Of Illegal Parking Rackets
Similarly, illegal parking is being operated in the name of the Jama Masjid. A person associated with the encroachment cases at Jama Masjid, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said that most of the money collected from illegal street vendors goes to people close to the Shahi Imam.
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SRDC Redevelopment Plan In The Works
The SRDC has prepared a plan for the redevelopment of Jama Masjid. Meanwhile, the Shahjahanabad Redevelopment Corporation (SRDC) has prepared a plan for the redevelopment of a 12-hectare area around the Jama Masjid, which includes pedestrian pathways, a tourist centre, a plaza, parking facilities, open spaces, the renovation of dargahs (shrines), and the rehabilitation of Meena Bazar. The responsibility for its implementation has been assigned to the Public Works Department (PWD). According to an SRDC official, the Detailed Project Report (DPR) has been received and is being studied. It will then be presented at the upcoming board meeting. This will happen in a few months.
Recent Action At Turkman Gate
This action follows the MCD's recent clearing of a large area from encroachment, which involved demolishing an illegal banquet hall and dispensary built on a significant part of the Ramlila Maidan opposite Turkman Gate, carried out with the help of heavy security forces despite strong opposition and stone-pelting from some anti-social elements.