Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Akshay Labroo, on Wednesday conducted an on-site inspection of the ongoing restoration and renovation works at the historic Khanqah-e-Naqshband Sahib (RA) at Khawaja Bazar and Aali Masjid at Eidgah. Both projects are being executed under the Government’s Preservation of Heritage Scheme to safeguard Srinagar’s rich cultural and architectural legacy.
At Khanqah-e-Naqshband Sahib (RA), located in the Shahr-e-Khaas area of Nowhatta, the DC reviewed the ₹3.37 crore project, which focuses on restoring the centuries-old spiritual and architectural landmark to its original heritage design.
Officials briefed the DC on the detailed scope of work outlined in the approved DPR. The project includes structural conservation, restoring the original wooden façade, refurbishing wooden ornamentation, and installing a khatamband ceiling with papier-mâché work in the central prayer hall.
Calling the structure a symbol of Kashmir’s spiritual and cultural identity, DC Labroo emphasized the need to ensure authenticity and architectural integrity in the conservation process.
Later, the DC visited the historic Aali Masjid at Eidgah, where he reviewed progress on another heritage conservation project worth ₹3.28 crore. The project aims to restore the mosque’s original aesthetic through waterproofing, papier-mâché work, khatamband ceilings, and aslar stonework on the plinth.
He directed the concerned executing agencies to maintain the highest standards of quality and to expedite the pace of work to meet the stipulated timelines.
Accompanying the DC during the visit were Chief Planning Officer Fayaz Ahmad Dar, executive engineers from R&B, SMC, PHE, and PDD, along with tehsildars of Khanyar and Eidgah, officials from the Archives and Archaeology Department, and other relevant officers.