The Uttar Pradesh government on Monday submitted an extensive status report to the Supreme Court regarding the dispute over a well near the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal, asserting that the well, locally known as Dharani Varah Koop, is situated on public land and has no direct association with the mosque. The report was filed in response to a petition by the Shahi Jama Masjid Committee, which sought to maintain the current status of the private well located near the mosque’s entrance. The committee had expressed concerns that any modifications to the well could disrupt the existing arrangement and potentially affect the religious site.
In its submission, the state government firmly defended its decision to revive old wells in the district, emphasizing that the initiative was part of a larger conservation and ecological preservation effort. The government dismissed the committee’s plea as an unjustified attempt to obstruct the well-revival process, arguing that such actions were both legally untenable and detrimental to groundwater conservation. Authorities reiterated that the well was located near, but not inside, the mosque premises and that its restoration was a matter of public interest, benefiting people of all communities rather than serving a specific religious purpose.
The report further pointed out that the mosque committee had failed to disclose the presence of a separate well within the mosque’s boundary walls, suggesting that the committee’s claims lacked complete transparency. The state argued that historical records indicated the disputed well had been used by people from all religious backgrounds for centuries. It was only after communal tensions in 1978 that a police outpost was constructed on a section of the well, effectively limiting access to it. The remaining portion, however, continued to be used by the local population.
In 2012, authorities decided to cover the well, which has since remained dry. Despite this, the district administration recently identified it as one of 19 ancient wells in Sambhal that have been selected for restoration. The government underscored that reviving these wells was crucial for rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge, particularly given that Sambhal has been classified as a ‘dark zone’ due to its critically low groundwater levels. With groundwater depletion becoming a major environmental concern, the authorities believe the well-revival project will contribute to sustainable water management and serve the broader interests of the community.
As part of a larger initiative to restore Sambhal’s historical and cultural heritage, the state has proposed a Rs 123.65 lakh project to revive 14 additional wells in the region. The government sees this effort as a key step in transforming Sambhal into a prominent tourism hub by highlighting its rich historical significance. Officials argue that restoring these wells would not only help in water conservation but also add to the cultural identity of the town, attracting visitors interested in heritage tourism.
Meanwhile, the larger controversy surrounding the Shahi Jama Masjid continues to simmer. Many locals believe that the mosque stands on the site of an ancient temple, Hari Mandir, which was allegedly demolished to make way for the Mughal-era structure. This longstanding dispute has contributed to communal tensions in the region, with both sides holding conflicting claims regarding the site’s history. The government’s push to restore the well in the midst of this sensitive issue has added another layer of complexity to the case, raising legal and political questions that continue to evolve as the Supreme Court deliberates on the matter.
The case remains a focal point of discussions, with stakeholders from different communities, legal experts, and political leaders weighing in on the implications of the well-revival project. The Supreme Court’s decision is expected to have a far-reaching impact on not only this particular case but also on broader issues of historical site restoration and communal harmony in the region. As the hearing progresses, all eyes remain on how the court will navigate the intricate balance between conservation efforts, religious sentiments, and legal frameworks.
