Srinagar, Mar 26 (KNO): The familiar sound that marked every hour at Srinagar’s historic Lal Chowk Clock Tower has fallen silent, with both the clock and its bells reportedly not working.
The structure, popularly known as Ghanta Ghar, has been a defining feature of the city centre for decades, but in recent days, locals allege, neither the clock is showing time nor are the hourly bells ringing.
A fruit vendor, Asim Amin, while talking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said, “It used to guide our day. People would check the time by the tower and shopkeepers knew when to close. Lal Chowk feels empty without its bells.”
Visitors too noticed the absence. Arun Mehta, visiting from Ahmedabad, said, “I had heard about the clock’s bells and expected something like London’s Big Ben. Instead, I came here and it didn’t ring. It felt strange, almost like time had paused.”
It is pertinent to mention, that the clock tower underwent a major renovation in 2023 under the Srinagar Smart City Project, with officials highlighting its heritage significance. The refurbishment included a fresh facade and a public square aimed at making Lal Chowk a more attractive hub for visitors.
The renovation was widely appreciated, with the bells drawing particular attention for their London-style chimes.
However, while the tower’s appearance has been upgraded, both its time display and signature hourly bells have stopped functioning, leaving locals and tourists disappointed.
Farooq Ahmed, who runs a garment shop nearby, said the tower looks beautiful but lacks its defining character. “It is like a painting without colour. Something that once gave Lal Chowk life is now silent,” he said.
Officials have not publicly clarified whether the issue is due to maintenance, a mechanical fault, or intentional deactivation. Meanwhile, officials from Srinagar Smart City Limited were not immediately available for comment—(KNO)