SRINAGAR: Facing public outrage over unhygienic food practices near the revered Hazratbal shrine in Srinagar, the Jammu and Kashmir government has taken swift action by forming a committee to address the issue. The move comes after a video showing rats in the oil used for frying snacks at the shrine’s market went viral, triggering widespread anger and raising questions about the Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board’s management of the area.
Kashmir has a huge snack market. These snack makers, locally called Mounjeh Ghaer , have the most unhygienic systems in place despite making the best of it. They place their carts outside the shrines after paying for the space, which is an income to the Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board, currently headed by a BJP leader.
Last week, customers at the market outside Hazratbal shrine were horrified to find rats in the frying oil used by vendors, sparking concerns over food safety and hygiene. The viral video brought the Waqf Board under scrutiny, as it is responsible for managing the shrines and collecting rents from shopkeepers and vendors operating in these markets. With thousands of devotees visiting the Hazratbal shrine for Friday prayers and religious occasions, the unhygienic conditions of the market posed serious health risks to worshippers consuming food from the vendors and nearby hotels.
Waqf Board Tehsildar Ishtiyaq Mohidin acknowledged the public outrage, stating that the viral footage had intensified concerns over the deteriorating hygiene standards of the Dargah Chapri Market. In response, Waqf Board issued firm directives for immediate corrective measures.
A committee has been set up under the leadership of Hazratbal Administrator Khursheed Ahmed Wani, along with two junior engineers, to oversee hygiene and beautification efforts in the market. The committee is tasked with conducting a comprehensive review of the Chapri Market, focusing on sanitation, structural improvements, and overall market conditions. It has been instructed to submit its recommendations within ten days.
The Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board, which oversees properties around shrines and major mosques, has faced criticism for failing to maintain hygiene in these markets, where large numbers of devotees purchase food and snacks annually. To address these concerns, the Waqf Board has initiated a series of measures aimed at improving cleanliness and aesthetics at the Chapri Market. The plan includes replacing the current structures with uniform, well-maintained Chapris, creating a cleaner and more organised environment. Special attention will be given to the Sabzi Market area, where the rat incident occurred. Dilapidated structures in this section will be replaced with modern canopy-type setups designed to offer better facilities for both vendors and visitors.
The Waqf Board hopes that these efforts will enhance the overall atmosphere of the market while ensuring that hygiene and structural uniformity align with its broader vision for shrine premises. The recent measures signal a renewed commitment to upholding cleanliness and safety standards, ensuring a more secure and dignified experience for the thousands of devotees who visit the Hazratbal shrine.
