JAMMU, Feb 19: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo presided over a significant meeting today aimed at reviewing and enhancing the initiatives for reviving, restoring, preserving, and maintaining the rich cultural and architectural heritage of Jammu and Kashmir.
The meeting concentrated on vital heritage projects and establishing methods to promote and preserve the region’s distinctive cultural and traditional heritage represented by its remarkable manuscripts.
The Chief Secretary issued several important directives regarding the establishment of an incentive-based policy for the digitization of precious manuscripts held by the public. He stressed the importance of recognizing contributors by returning their original manuscripts after digitization to foster broader engagement in this heritage preservation effort.
Reviewing the current status of various architectural and heritage conservation projects, the Chief Secretary urged the Department of Archaeology & Archives to enhance restoration activities, ensuring tangible progress on the ground. The department was also advised to utilize allocated funds efficiently to meet project timelines.
With respect to revitalizing the Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex (MMHC), the Divisional Commissioner of Jammu was instructed to transform MMHC into a culturally vibrant venue by organizing cultural evenings in partnership with the Academy of Art, Culture & Languages.
The Chief Secretary also highlighted the need for adaptive reuse of the restored structures within MMHC. He tasked the Department of Archaeology with creating a comprehensive reuse plan for these restored buildings, emphasizing that failing to repurpose them would jeopardize the restoration achievements. He noted that allowing these structures to remain unused would lead to decay, which is entirely unacceptable.
Regarding the hiring of a Transaction Advisor (TA) for a heritage hotel at MMHC, the Chief Secretary advised the relevant parties to consult the Finance Department for guidance on engaging a TA for the adaptive reuse of this significant heritage property. This includes the planned heritage hotel, to be developed under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model with a Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Transfer (DBFOT) approach to foster sustainable tourism in Jammu city.
To promote the region’s cultural heritage, the Chief Secretary called for the establishment of awards to honor exceptional contributions to the preservation of J&K’s cultural identity. He also proposed conducting painting competitions that depict the lives and contributions of saints like Lalla Ded to educate younger generations and inspire appreciation for our invaluable heritage and traditions.
The Chief Secretary reviewed the progress in developing the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the modernization of SPS Museum in Srinagar, instructing its finalization within 15 days. He emphasized the need to commence this work during the upcoming summer season.
The meeting also assessed several significant heritage projects, including the restoration and development of Shergarhi Palace, the construction of Tehzeeb Mahal, the building of a 250-meter span flyover bridge linking Jullaka Mohalla with MMHC at an estimated cost of Rs. 23.50 crore, and the installation of a vertical lift connecting the Cable Car Project (Peerkho) with the Mubarak Mandi Complex, alongside creating exclusive parking for the heritage complex by the JMC.
The Chief Secretary directed the IT Department to develop an online platform to document and showcase activities conducted across all districts in celebration of Constitution Day and the 150th Birth Anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
During his presentation, Commissioner Secretary of the Culture Department, K. Ramesh Kumar, informed the gathering about the speed and progress of projects being executed in various phases of Revival, Restoration, Preservation, and Maintenance of Architecture and Heritage in Jammu and Kashmir.
He reported that during the first phase, 33 projects were initiated with an estimated budget of Rs 64.25 crore. In the second phase, 73 projects were identified, with DPRs prepared for 65 projects, and administrative approval secured for 61 projects from the Department.
Director of Archives, Archaeology & Museums, K.K. Sidha, updated the meeting on the advancements made in modernizing the SPS Museum in Srinagar and outlined the scope of work to be addressed in the newly formulated DPR. He also provided insights into the status of ongoing projects, including the upcoming Tehzeeb Mahal and the restoration work at both Shergarhi Palace and the Mubarak Mandi complex.
Furthermore, the JMC Commissioner emphasized the progress of works under the Smart City Mission at MMHC. He announced that the Library cum Cafe, being operated on a PPP basis within this heritage complex, would be operational by April this year as the construction is nearing completion. He also presented a plan for creating a parking facility for approximately 200 cars and 150 two-wheelers near the main entrance of the complex.
Present at the meeting were the Commissioner Secretary of the IT Department; Divisional Commissioner for Kashmir/Jammu; Commissioner Secretary of Culture; Secretary of PWD; JMC Commissioner; Director of Archaeology & Archives; Chief Engineers; and other relevant officials.
