Srinagar, Dec 25: Nearly two years after a portion of the Mughal-era heritage wall, locally known as the Kalai, collapsed in the Bachi Darwaza area of downtown Srinagar, the site continues to bear the marks of official neglect, with no restoration work undertaken so far. The wall collapsed in February 2024, but the debris remains scattered at the spot, narrowing the road and posing daily risks to pedestrians and motorists alike.
Bachi Darwaza is not just a residential pocket but also serves as a vital access point—one of the main entrances to the revered Makhdoom Sahab (RA) shrine passes through this historic stretch. Locals say the continued presence of debris has made the area unsafe, particularly because the remaining portion of the wall has weakened over time and could collapse further.
“This wall is already damaged, and the rest of it looks fragile. Every time it rains or snows, we fear another collapse. Nothing has been done since 2024 except empty assurances,” said a resident living close to the site.
Commuters using the narrow road complain that the piled-up rubble has significantly reduced road width, creating frequent bottlenecks. With winter precipitation setting in, the situation worsens as mud oozes out from the debris, turning the road into a slippery stretch.
“During rain or snowfall, the entire road becomes slushy. People slip, vehicles skid, and it becomes very difficult to cross, especially for elderly pedestrians,” said Ashfaq Ahmad, a daily commuter.
Apart from safety hazards, residents lament that the neglected site has turned into an eyesore in an otherwise historically significant area. They stress that the Kalai is not an ordinary structure but a physical reminder of Kashmir’s Mughal past, reflecting the region’s rich cultural and architectural heritage.
“These walls are part of our history. Leaving them in ruins sends a wrong message about how we value our heritage,” said a local, adding that timely conservation could have prevented further degradation.
As the second anniversary of the collapse approaches, locals and commuters are urging authorities to clear the debris, secure the weakened portions of the wall, and initiate proper restoration work.
An official said that the restoration plan is in the pipeline and will be taken up soon. “As far as my knowledge is concerned, the work is on the cards and after completion of all the necessary formalities, the restoration will start,” the official said.
However, the Director of Archives, Archaeology and Museums, J&K, did not respond to multiple calls from this reporter when contacted for further comments.