The pieces of the iconic finial of the main dome of the Mughal-era Jama Masjid here, which had fallen off on its terrace below in a storm, have been brought down using a skylift and safely stored.
A scientist who was involved in the process also said on Sunday that trials have been conducted and assessments made and there will be attempts on Tuesday or Wednesday to dismount the heavy pieces precariously hanging from the dome.
"On Saturday, using a skylift brought from the fire department, the pieces of the finial that had got dislodged and fallen off on the terrace below the dome were brought down and safely stored," scientist and innovator Mirza M Arif told PTI.
Arif has been engaged by the Jama Masjid, along with heritage experts from the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), to plan the removal of the dangling part of the finial of the main dome of the 17th-century mosque, which was damaged in a fierce thunderstorm recently.
Jama Masjid Shahi Imam Syed Ahmed Bukhari had earlier said as part of the plan, aerial photographs of the mosque, with closer shots of the main dome, were taken to aid the experts. The finial originally stood about 12-15 feet from the top of the dome and the dangling part would weigh around 350 kg, he had said.
"We first carried out a preliminary assessment as to how the pieces can be dismounted safely and on Saturday, I was able to get close to the pieces dangling on the top of the dome and take pictures and even safely touch it, riding in a skylift.