Ajmer Dargah Ceiling Collapse During Heavy Rains Sparks Outrage and Safety Concerns

Heavy monsoon rains on Wednesday caused part of the ceiling at the Ajmer Dargah to collapse, sparking outrage among devotees. The incident has raised concerns about the maintenance of this historic Sufi shrine. Fortunately, the downpour led to the evacuation of visitors, preventing any injuries. However, the collapse has intensified scrutiny over the Dargah Committee's management.

Maintenance Concerns at Ajmer Dargah

The Dargah Committee (DC), an autonomous body under the Union Ministry of Minority Affairs, faces criticism for alleged neglect and inadequate safety measures. Devotees and local religious leaders have accused the committee of ignoring repeated warnings to conduct structural audits or essential repairs. This negligence has been a point of contention for many.

Syed Sarwar Chishti, secretary of the influential Anjuman Committee, criticised the Dargah Committee's handling of the shrine. "The Dargah Committee has failed miserably. Not one audit has been conducted. This is not just neglect; it's institutional apathy. Muslims across India must now raise their voices to free the Dargah from the Centre's control," he stated.

Voices from Within

Dargah priest Syed Daniyal Chishti also expressed his frustration over the situation. He remarked, "For the past two years, I have been requesting permission to repair my Hujra. The leakage worsens with every rain, but neither do they respond, nor do they allow us to act. Their indifference towards the sanctity and safety of worshippers is appalling," highlighting ongoing issues with maintenance requests.

The Ajmer Dargah is dedicated to Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti and attracts millions of pilgrims annually from both India and abroad. Despite its significance, concerns about its upkeep persist. The DC has not issued any official response regarding these allegations or the recent incident.

The lack of an official statement from the DC leaves many questions unanswered about future measures to ensure visitor safety and preserve this important religious site. The need for regular audits and repairs remains a pressing issue for those involved with the shrine.

With inputs from PTI