Coordinator Chief Minister’s Grievance Cell, Tassaduq Mufti today said that the shrines and religious places of Kashmir have been the proud symbols of the valley’s spiritual edifice, faith and cultural heritage as such a proper and comprehensive mechanism for their preservation is a must.Expressing grief at the fire incident at the historic Khanqah-e-Maula shrine of Hazrat Amir-e-Kabir Shah-e-Hamdan (RA), the Coordinator said that these Khanqah’s and religious places have withstood the vagaries of nature and political turmoil for centuries.He said these heritage treasures are excellent examples of our local skills, creative works and rich mixed architectural heritage. “The unfortunate fire incident at Khanqah brought forth again the critical issue of their preservation.”He expressed angst that despite the past tragic fire incidents at the shrine of Dastgeer Sahab, in Khanqah-e-Faiz Panah, Rishi Moul Sahab Shrine and shrine of Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Noorani (RA), a comprehensive foolproof protection plan was still missing.
Tassaduq Mufti said a preventive and quick reaction fire fighting system at most of these highly vulnerable sites which were mostly wooden structures is highly needed. “It was important to check old electrical installations regularly and to have functional fire extinguishers and fire detectors in all the spaces particularly in the attic.”The conservation and protection of these monuments should be made an integral part of smart city programme and religious tourism circuit of the valley, he added.The Coordinator hailed the decision of Chief Minister for directing time bound safety audit for the assessment of fire and structure risk of this rich heritage. He further stressed on the proper training of the management staff of these places particularly in the field of disaster management with all concerned departments under the overall supervision of the Wakf Board.