Mumbai News: Haji Ali Dargah's Pathway To Get Major Upgrade

Mumbai's Haji Ali Dargah, a revered site attracting visitors of all faiths, is set for a significant upgrade to address overcrowding and safety concerns, according to the report shared by the news agency, Hindustan Times.

About Haji Ali Dargah

Haji Ali Dargah is a religious site located in Mumbai, drawing visitors of all faiths. It stands on elevated rocks in the Arabian Sea, approximately 500 yards from Mumbai's coastline on Lala Lajpatrai Marg. The structure took its current form in the early 19th century, following the legal formation of its Trust in 1916.

The complex encompasses the tomb of the Muslim Saint Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari (R.A.) and includes a mosque. Adorned with white domes and minarets reminiscent of Mughal architecture, the Dargah is a significant pilgrimage destination for Muslims. It also welcomes non-Muslims, who come in large numbers to admire its iconic white structure.

People from around the world, irrespective of their backgrounds, visit Haji Ali Dargah to offer prayers and seek blessings for various wishes, including wealth, health, children, and marriages. Many believe their prayers are answered here, making it a cherished spiritual fulfilment and communal harmony site.

Need To Broaden The Pathway

Haji Ali Dargah attracts between 10,000 to 15,000 visitors daily. On Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays, this number rises to 20,000 to 30,000 people. During Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha, known as Ramadhan Eid and Bakri Eid respectively, hundreds of thousands of devotees flock to the Dargah. On these occasions, the pathway leading to the Dargah is filled with a sea of humanity.

The pathway is 4.5 meters wide but lacks railings, leading to accidents where devotees sometimes fall into the sea. When this happens, divers are called in to rescue them.

About The Project

This initiative, endorsed by the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority in June, will be carried out by the harbour engineering department of the PWD for Rs. 19 crores. Balasaheb Nanaware, an executive engineer from the department, confirmed that they will widen the road and deploy anti-erosion tetrapods. The funds for this project will come from the district planning development committee, and the entire work is expected to be completed within 18 months.

The current road width of five meters will be expanded to 10 meters, and its height will be raised to seven meters. The project will build two parapet walls, each 264 meters long, along both sides of the pathway, complemented by a rock armour bund to protect devotees from high tides. The design has received approval from the Central Water & Power Research Centre (CWPRS).

Suhail Khandwani, a trustee of the Dargah, expressed, "The government will beautify the entire pathway. Devendra Fadnavis and Aslam Shaikh have championed this project."