Mughal Road halting stations cry for restoration amid government apathy

Shopian, Nov 22: A recent snowfall along the heritage Mughal Road turned the entire area into a wonderland. The snow covered pine trees dotting the awe- inspiring mountains offer a spell-casting view in different hues of season. However, amidst this natural beauty, the halting stations—Sukh Saria and Aliabad Sarai—along the road, which have always been a major attraction for the tourists and travellers, remain in a state of disrepair.

These crumbling halting stations reflect the government’s apathy and neglect in preserving the cultural heritage.

Located at an altitude of 2700 meters, barely a 40-minute drive from Shopian town, the Sukh Sarai is a Mughal marvel. The halting station occupies a vast 9,600 square feet and is situated in the middle of a serene meadow. This Mughal era mud, brick and stone structure is lying in a run-down state with its entrance walls completely damaged.

A short drive away along the road is located Alibad Sarai. The rectangular is situated on the banks of the River Panchal.

The Sarai was constructed by the Mughal Emperor Akbar and was later restored by Emperor Jahangir through his Governor Ali Mardan Khan.

The halting station was among the 14 such structures from Delhi to Lahore enroute to Srinagar.

The Saria was designated as a monument under the central protection of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and managed according to the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) Act of 1958.

However, the dilapidated and decaying Sarai, which is now covered by thick overgrown vegetation, speaks volumes of the government's indifference.

“The authorities are hardly bothered about preserving our heritage. It has been our long-standing demand to initiate steps to protect these historic monuments,” said Mitha Gatoo, a social activist from the area.

Gatoo said that civil society members took up the matter with higher authorities umpteen times but nothing was done about it.

He said that preserving such sites would not only help the next generation connect with their history, but also give a boost to the local economy.

The Department of Culture launched a scheme aimed at revival, restoration and preservation, maintains and of the architecture and heritage in Jammu and Kashmir in 2021. The Sarai was included in the scheme, but nothing has been done so far.

An official, however, said that District Development Commissioner, Shopian Mohammad Saleem Shahid Dar convened a high-level meeting of officials including officials from the ASI and forest department, to discuss the preservation and restoration of the glory of these Sarais.

He said that a host of possibilities were discussed to preserve these monuments. “Some eco-friendly steps will be initiated to build an approach to Aliabad Saria,” added the official.