The whitewashing of the historic Jama Masjid in Sambhal district commenced on Sunday morning, following the directives of the High Court. A team of workers began painting the mosque’s walls under the supervision of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), with committee members also present on-site.

The individual assigned the task of whitewashing stated, “A total of eight people are working on the project. We aim to complete the work within a week. Our instructions are limited to whitewashing the mosque, as directed by the ASI.”

The painting work had been delayed on Saturday when the ASI team arrived with the painter but had to return after waiting for some time. The ASI team subsequently instructed the Jama Masjid committee to commence the whitewashing on Sunday morning. The High Court, on March 12, ordered the painting and decoration of the mosque, with ASI overseeing the process. Following this directive, the ASI team inspected both the outer and inner premises of the mosque on March 13 and identified the areas requiring whitewashing.

Orders were issued to whitewash the outer part of the mosque.

On Saturday, a three-member ASI team, accompanied by three painters, arrived at the mosque and began cleaning some areas. Local arrangements for additional painters and workers were also made.

In light of the court’s directive, security has been tightened around the Shahi Jama Masjid area. The High Court formed a three-member committee, including officials from the ASI, a scientific expert, and a local administration representative, to monitor the process and ensure that the mosque’s structure remains unharmed. Sambhal’s Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP), Shrish Chandra, stated that heavy security arrangements have been implemented. “A sufficient police force has been deployed. Peace will be maintained, and surveillance is being conducted through CCTV and drones,” he said.

In a related development, the ASI team removed posters of 74 miscreants that had been affixed to the back wall of the mosque. The posters were removed to facilitate the whitewashing process. The head of the Jama Masjid Committee had opposed the placement of these posters.

The head of the committee remarked that the mosque is traditionally painted and decorated every year during the month of Ramzan. However, this year, the committee had to seek permission, which was initially denied. This prompted the committee to file a petition in the High Court. During the initial hearing, the High Court sent an ASI team to assess the mosque’s condition.  The ASI report concluded that whitewashing was unnecessary, but cleaning could be done. After the committee presented its argument, the High Court ordered the whitewashing and decoration, with ASI monitoring the process.

The ongoing whitewashing is expected to be completed within a week, restoring the mosque’s aesthetic appeal ahead of Ramzan.