Delhi Waqf Board seeks water, power restoration at mosque near PM’s home
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New Delhi: The Delhi Waqf Board has approached civic and land authorities to restore electricity and water at the historic Race Course mosque, situated near Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s residence, saying the facilities are necessary for regular prayers.
Chief Executive Officer Tanvir Ahmad sent letters to the Land and Development Office (L&DO) and the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) on October 19 and 21, seeking the restoration of both services.
In its communication to the L&DO, the board referred to a September 8, 1977, notification in the Delhi Administration’s Official Gazette that recognised the mosque and its adjoining cemetery as Waqf property. It also cited electricity connection records dating back to 1976 and said the premises continued to be managed directly by the board, with no legal proceedings pending against it, according to the letter.
The request comes amid an eviction notice issued earlier this month and demolition activity in the surrounding area, which reportedly displaced hundreds of families.
The issue gained wider attention after a video circulated online in which the mosque’s imam, Mohammed Harun, said the authorities had directed him to vacate the premises and that the disconnection of water and electricity had disrupted worship. He also alleged that the mosque had regularly paid its utility bills.
AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi has separately urged Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju to intervene, questioning the handling of the matter involving the registered Waqf property.