Heritage – Historic Jain Upasara Collapses Near Jaisalmer Fort After Illegal Excavation
Heritage – A major heritage structure in Rajasthan narrowly avoided becoming the site of a deadly tragedy on Tuesday when a centuries-old building linked to the Jain Samaj Trust collapsed in Jaisalmer. Authorities said the incident occurred in Rakhecha Pada after deep and allegedly unauthorized excavation work on a neighboring property weakened the building’s foundation, causing the structure to give way.
Ancient Religious Structure Reduced to Rubble
The collapsed building, locally known as the Upasara, was an important religious and residential space traditionally used by Jain monks during their visits to the city. Located behind the famous Patwa Haveli, the structure stood within the protected 300-meter heritage zone surrounding Jaisalmer’s Sonar Fort, a UNESCO-recognized World Heritage site.
Officials said the building was around 250 years old and held considerable cultural and spiritual significance for the Jain community. Although the structure had been showing signs of deterioration and was recently being used for storage purposes, it remained an important landmark associated with religious activities and discourses conducted by Jain saints.
Workers Escape Moments Before Collapse
According to local accounts, more than ten laborers were present at the excavation site adjacent to the building when signs of structural instability began to appear. Workers reportedly noticed pieces of lime plaster and masonry falling from the old structure.
Recognizing the danger, they immediately left the area. Within moments, the multi-story building collapsed into a large pile of debris. Authorities confirmed that no casualties or injuries were reported, a circumstance many residents described as fortunate given the scale of the collapse.
Previous Warnings Were Allegedly Ignored
Jaisalmer Municipal Council Commissioner Lajpal Singh Sodha stated that the excavation involved a basement being dug to a depth of approximately 15 feet on a nearby plot. The project was allegedly being carried out by a businessman based in Mumbai.
According to the commissioner, both the Municipal Council and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) had earlier issued formal notices directing the property owner to halt construction activities. Despite those instructions, excavation reportedly continued.
Officials believe the deep underground digging significantly weakened the soil and foundation supporting the historic structure, eventually leading to its collapse.
Area Sealed for Public Safety
Soon after the incident, district administration officials and police teams reached the location and secured the surroundings. Authorities imposed restrictions on movement in the affected lane to prevent any further risks from unstable debris or damaged structures nearby.
Kotwali Police Station officer Surjaram Jakhar said the excavation site has been sealed, while neighboring residents were moved to safer locations as a precautionary measure. Families living in immediately adjoining properties were evacuated until a detailed safety assessment could be completed.
Legal Action and Restoration Measures Underway
The Municipal Council has issued a notice to the Jain Trust directing it to remove debris and address any remaining unsafe portions of the structure under official supervision. Engineers and local authorities are expected to monitor the process to ensure public safety.
Meanwhile, the Archaeological Survey of India has initiated proceedings against those responsible for the unauthorized construction activity. Officials indicated that strict action could follow due to alleged violations within a protected heritage zone and the damage caused to a historically important structure.
The incident has once again highlighted concerns over unauthorized construction activities near heritage sites and the challenges involved in preserving centuries-old monuments in rapidly developing urban areas.