Ajmer Dargah Collapse Sparks Fresh Safety Row.

July 3, 2025 | Ajmer, Rajasthan

Festival Marred by Structural Collapse

On July 2, 2025, at approximately 2 PM, a section of the Ajmer Sharif Dargah complex collapsed following heavy rainfall. The incident occurred during the sacred Chhoti Urs festival, drawing attention to the aging infrastructure and alleged administrative failure.

The affected structure, a small hut near Shah Jani Masjid, collapsed suddenly. This portion stood beside Chhabili Gate, a frequently visited entry during Urs. The unexpected collapse caused panic among worshippers, although no injuries were reported.

The entire incident happened shortly after Zuhr (afternoon) prayers, when the premises were bustling with devotees. Rainwater seeped into the main complex, including the revered Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti shrine, raising further concerns.

Ajmer Dargah Collapse Linked to Prolonged Neglect

The Ajmer Dargah collapse prompted leaders from the Dargah Khadim Committee to blame the Central government for its continued negligence. Secretary Syed Sarwar Chishti accused the authorities of failing to maintain the shrine despite repeated warnings over the years.

He said,

“The shrine is not just a religious site but a symbol of national heritage. Neglecting it is criminal.”

Chishti highlighted how the post of Nazim, responsible for overseeing shrine management, remained vacant for three years. The Dargah Committee, appointed by the government, still lacks nine members.

According to him, lack of leadership and alleged corruption have allowed vital maintenance work to stall, resulting in unchecked water leakage and structural degradation.

Ajmer Dargah Collapse Raises Heritage Safety Concerns

This Ajmer Dargah collapse is not an isolated issue. Experts and heritage workers say many historic shrines face similar decay due to delayed restoration efforts.

Mohammad Bilal Khan, the recently appointed Nazim and a retired BSF DIG, admitted the structure needed urgent repairs. He claimed restoration had already started and would now be accelerated.

Speaking to reporters, Khan said,

“Today’s collapse was due to heavy rain. However, repairs are in progress. More teams will join restoration soon.”

He also confirmed that he had met with Khadims and shrine managers earlier in the week. Together, they identified critical weak points in the complex that need immediate attention, including the roof and drainage systems.

Rainfall Worsens the Structural Risk

Ajmer experiences monsoon rains in early July. Prolonged downpours often test the durability of historic buildings. The shrine, which dates back to the 12th century, now faces threats from water seepage and weakened foundations.

This year’s rains have already damaged internal pathways, including the lane between Buland Darwaza and the Mehfil-e-Sama area. Pilgrims have found it difficult to move through parts of the complex due to waterlogging.

Local engineers say the old lime-plastered walls and sandstone floors require yearly treatment. Skipping such maintenance leads to structural instability, especially during high footfall events like Urs.

Pilgrim Safety and Public Reactions

The Dargah draws nearly 15 million visitors every year, many of whom come during Chhoti Urs. On Wednesday, the crowd swelled beyond usual numbers, amplifying risk.

Thankfully, volunteers and police cordoned off the collapsed zone swiftly. However, pilgrims expressed concern about safety, especially in areas near inner courtyards and Qawwals’ enclosures.

Anjum Farooqui, a devotee from Mumbai, said,

“I’ve come here since childhood. This is the first time I’ve felt unsafe.”

Families camping near the eastern boundary were moved after minor wall cracks appeared. Civic workers erected temporary barricades and warned visitors to avoid water-damaged areas.

Demand for Restoration and Government Intervention

As the news of the Ajmer Dargah collapse spread, demands for government accountability surged. Local MLAs and civil society activists have written to the Ministry of Minority Affairs, calling for an urgent audit of structural integrity.

Nasir Qureshi, a heritage activist, added,

“If the Taj Mahal gets crores for preservation, why not Ajmer Dargah?”

Qureshi urged that regular funds be allocated for the Dargah, and a professional conservation team be appointed under ASI (Archaeological Survey of India) or INTACH.

Sacred Site at Risk Without Urgent Action

The Ajmer Dargah collapse may have spared lives this time, but the danger still looms. A single monsoon could wreak havoc without immediate repair and long-term conservation.

The shrine holds spiritual, cultural, and historic significance—not just for Muslims but for Indians from every background. Authorities must act now to preserve this symbol of Sufi harmony and national pride before neglect leads to irreversible loss.

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