Maleeha
Srinagar, 24 July : The shrine of Hazrat Syed Hassan Bilad-e-Rumi (RA), located in the densely populated Rajouri Kadal area in downtown Srinagar, is facing severe neglect. Despite its historical and religious significance, being the resting place of the spiritual mentor of Hazrat Sheikh Hamza Makhdoom (RA) the shrine today stands surrounded by unhygienic conditions, stagnant water and sewage overflow.
Due to the absence of a proper drainage system in the area, even light rainfall results in waterlogging around the shrine and its adjoining graveyard. This stagnant water not only disrupts access to the shrine but also seeps into the nearby residential homes, causing inconvenience and health hazards for local residents. The situation worsens during heavy rains, with overflowing sewage entering homes and blocking narrow streets, making it extremely difficult for people to move around.
The adjacent graveyard, which holds religious importance for the community, has become a breeding ground for rodents due to the continued accumulation of dirty water and lack of sanitation. Residents say the area is turning unlivable, especially for families living right next to the shrine.
Locals allege that despite repeated requests and reminders to the concerned departments, the administration has failed to take meaningful action. While there were promises made in the past about relocating the residents affected by the conditions around the shrine, only two households have been shifted so far. The rest continue to live amid deteriorating conditions, with no solution in sight.
One local resident, visibly upset by the situation, said that it’s not just about a religious site but about basic civic infrastructure and the dignity of people who live there. “The sewage flows right into our homes. We’ve informed officials many times, but they just make verbal assurances and disappear,” he said.
The residents urges the administration to immediately take steps to construct a proper drainage system in the area and address the sanitation issues that are affecting both the shrine and the surrounding locality. They say the neglect of this historically important site reflects a deeper disregard for the civic needs of old city Srinagar.
