MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): The historic Baradari Muzaffarabad, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), located at the confluence of the Neelum and Jhelum rivers, is facing encroachment and neglect as land grabbers and government departments seize portions of the site, prompting investigations by anti-corruption authorities.
Residents together with heritage conservationists continue to express concern about the severe neglect and encroachment affecting the historic Baradari location in Muzaffarabad. This famous structure rests between the Neelum River and the Jhelum River. Guests used to visit the site before it encountered problems from illegal possession because of its notable Mughal-era architecture and peaceful location along with cultural relevance.
Baradari gets its name from its exclusive construction design because it has twelve doors which offer unobstructed vistas of the surrounding terrain. This location functioned as a serene destination for numerous years until visitors came to witness the spectacular rivers merging point. This place offered enjoyable relaxation as well as reflecting the cultural legacy of the local area.
Parts of this significant site have been appropriated by country landholders in recent years. The restoration agencies responsible for heritage conservation have unacceptably started taking parts of the land for their departments’ needs. The lack of proper oversight by authorities led to the installation of poultry cages on this spot. It reveals their severe carelessness.
The land encroachment at Baradari has persisted throughout many years while unsuccessful attempts have been made to stop it. The previous term of Commissioner Sardar Waheed brought protection initiatives for the site’s territory along with a campaign against unauthorized land possession at Baradari. Following the transfer of the official in charge the land mafia strengthened its territorial position by reclaiming its seized territory.
The original ownership documents of Baradari facing alteration at the Revenue Department generate suspicions about staff involvement. Anti-corruption authorities along with other government agencies have initiated investigations yet no official action has been executed regarding this matter.
The duty to protect heritage sites appointed to the Archaeology Department alongside the Tourism Department and Revenue Department has not been carried out effectively thus allowing this important historical landmark to remain vulnerable. Baradari’s continuous encroachment by invaders shows an extensive problem of heritage destruction which affects historical sites because of poor management and criminal occupation.
The local community works together with heritage activists to urge quick measures that would both preserve and safeguard Baradari from total encroachment. The urgent need for protective measures now prevents Muzaffarabad from losing another important piece of its cultural heritage.
