Jhelum's ancient Padhri village faces relentless erosion

Padhri village, nestled among the hills of the Salt Range, is a testament to the rich history of stone architecture. The village, located at the foot of Tilla Jogian, has been crafted with locally sourced stones, reflecting the enduring nature of art. The village is a purely Potohari word, where Hindus and Muslims lived in harmony.

The village faces an imminent threat from relentless erosion, as the periphery pathway around the village is rapidly crumbling. This erosion not only endangers the population but also the centuries-old stone architecture. A stone-built Hindu temple, once adorned with frescoes, is now used as a cattle pen, a reflection of the neglect of our history and culture.

The village's houses, built with grey stones from Tarakki, Domeli, and Tilla Jogian, showcase the beauty of traditional architecture. A centuries-old small mosque with an attractive facade built with sandy grey stones is another marvel of stone craftsmanship. The precision of the intricate designs, carved with geometrical and artistic precision, represents advanced architectural engineering.

However, the beauty of these structures is under threat due to unchecked soil erosion on all sides of Padhri village. This erosion threatens not only the population but also the historic stone architecture, which is deteriorating day by day. Chaudhary Asim, a UK-based native of the area, has urged Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif to declare the historic village a protected site to prevent further destruction.