Special Report: Delhi's Sufi Dargah Reduced To Rubble By Unauthorized Constructions Around The Shrine

If the wafting aroma of biryani and kebabs accompanied by the scent of rose petals and incense sticks doesn't get you, then the stench and sight of trash definitely will. 

All around, the age-old walls are crumbling under the weight of unauthorised construction and the incessant spawning of roofs and new shops.

Windows have been drilled into the ornate walls. The stones which narrate 700 years worth of stories, have lost character.

Through neglect, deep wide cracks have besmirched the rich calligraphy and floral motifs on the walls.

This is the current state of the holy site of Hazrat Nizamuddin's dargah, which is Sufism's most revered place of pilgrimage.

Thousands from all over the world have been visiting here since 14th century, when the saint ruled the minds of the people.

Now, as the Centre and AAP government jostle on Delhi's nomination as a UNESCO World Heritage City, much lies in waste and disharmony here.

Looking at these images of the shrine, one can only helplessly recall the colourful but decadent Mughal king Mohammad Shah Rangila — who in fact lies buried right next to the dargah.

Amidst the accumulating filth, he would probably have said — Hunooz Dilli Door Ast (Delhi is still far away).

It wasn't that far for the invader Nadir Shah, and in the present context, hopefully it won't be a step too far for the Clean India movement.