The minarets of Jama Masjid have been damaged in the strong storm that hit Delhi on Friday. After the stone fell from the minaret, the Shahi Imam of the mosque has written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday urging him to get the mosque repaired. In the letter sent to the PM, it has been said that he should direct the Archaeological Department of India (ASI) to inspect the monument and get the necessary repairs done. The Shahi Imam of Jama Masjid, Syed Bukhari, said that such stones have fallen before. Small stones keep falling, but for the fourth time it has happened that a big stone has fallen. The tower has been damaged after a strong storm.
Describing the reason behind the stone falling, Bukhari said that, in the Mughal era, iron leaves have been used to connect these stones with each other. Due to the melting of iron leaves, the stones also start melting. This stone is about 400 years old, due to which the condition of the stones has become very bad.
The beauty of the stones remains from outside, but insects have been planted inside them. Some of the stones of the mosque are in such a condition that they have been stopped with plastic ropes so that they do not fall. He told that, I have also emphasized in the letter that the stones of the mosque should be examined by sending an engineer and it should be seen how much difference has been made on the strength.
In fact, due to the fall of some stones of the mosque, there is a fear that more stones may fall in the future because the stones which have fallen recently have become weak. According to Imam Bukhari, in the lockdown, everyone is offering prayers in their homes, so there is no crowd, but if the ASI does not get it repaired in time, a big accident can be formed.
Earlier the ASI office used to be in Jama Masjid. But after the removal of the office from the mosque, now if there is any damage in the mosque, then first a budget is made. Then it is repaired. According to the information, at present the Jama Masjid does not come under the SAI, but only after requesting on the issue of maintenance or repair, the ASI intervenes.