* Reviewing the Operations of TDAs
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 19: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo presided over a high-level meeting today aimed at assessing and accelerating measures for the revival, restoration, preservation, and maintenance of Jammu and Kashmir’s rich heritage and architectural legacy.
The meeting addressed pivotal heritage projects and outlined strategies for promoting and safeguarding the region’s unique cultural and traditional wealth, particularly its exceptional manuscripts.
Key figures in attendance included the Commissioner Secretary of the IT Department, Divisional Commissioners of both Kashmir and Jammu, the Commissioner Secretary of Culture, the Secretary of PWD, the Commissioner of JMC, the Director of Archaeology & Archives, Chief Engineers, and other relevant officials.
The Chief Secretary issued crucial directives for developing an incentive-based policy to facilitate the digitization of valuable public manuscripts. He stressed the importance of returning original manuscripts post-digitization to contributors, aiming to enhance community participation in this preservation initiative.
Evaluating the current status of various architectural and heritage conservation efforts, he directed the Department of Archaeology & Archives to amplify restoration activities, ensuring visible progress. The department was urged to effectively utilize allocated funds to meet project timelines.
Concerning the cultural revitalization of the Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex (MMHC), the Divisional Commissioner of Jammu was instructed to transform the MMHC into a culturally vibrant area by organizing cultural evenings in partnership with the Academy of Art, Culture & Languages.
The Chief Secretary also highlighted the necessity for adaptive reuse of restored structures at MMHC, tasking the Department of Archaeology to formulate a comprehensive reuse plan. He noted that neglecting to repurpose these structures could jeopardize the restoration efforts already undertaken, warning that inaction would lead to their deterioration, which is unacceptable.
In relation to the engagement of a Transaction Advisor (TA) for the heritage hotel at MMHC, he advised the team to consult the Finance Department for guidance on involving a TA for the adaptive reuse of this significant heritage site. This includes the proposed hotel to be developed through a Public Private Partnership (PPP) model under the Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Transfer (DBFOT) framework for sustainable tourism growth in Jammu City.
To celebrate and enhance the region’s cultural heritage, the Chief Secretary proposed the establishment of awards to honor exceptional contributions to preserving J&K’s cultural identity. He also recommended organizing painting contests that depict the lives and achievements of saints like Lal Ded, aiming to educate younger generations about the aesthetic value of the significant heritage and traditions from our past.
The Chief Secretary reviewed the progress on the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for modernizing the SPS Museum in Srinagar, insisting on its finalization within 15 days. He emphasized the need to commence this project in the upcoming summer season.
Additionally, he chaired a meeting to review and improve the functioning of various Tourism Development Authorities (TDAs) throughout Jammu and Kashmir, highlighting the necessity of increasing their operational efficiency and resource bases. He stressed the importance of making TDAs self-sustaining, directing the Finance and Tourism Departments to ensure resource allocation and empower the TDAs to generate revenue from their assets. He also instructed for the demarcation of TDA-owned lands, granting them enhanced control and management capabilities.
To further support these authorities, he called for a boost in manpower and enforcement capabilities to establish their authority within their respective jurisdictions effectively. He asked the Finance Department to implement proactive measures in this area and to support a minimum of two TDAs annually for sustainable development.
Recognizing the need for structured growth, the Chief Secretary directed the development of master plans for each TDA to facilitate systematic and organized tourism development. He underscored the importance of such strategic planning to enhance the tourism sector and create more economic opportunities in the region.
Addressing concerns about amenities along major routes, the Chief Secretary instructed the Tourism Department to collaborate with Highway Authorities and the Public Works Department (PWD) to evaluate existing facilities for tourists. He emphasized the need to identify and address deficiencies in roadside amenities along highways and other pathways leading to tourism hotspots.
Commissioner Secretary of Tourism Yasha Mudgal informed that discussions are underway with the Sulabh International Social Service Organisation to explore signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the operation and maintenance of toilet facilities at various tourist spots. Secretary of PWD, Bhupinder Kumar, confirmed that Chief Engineers from the PW (R&B) Department have been assigned the task of developing concept plans for building toilet complexes and parking areas at strategic locations. He stated that both R&B and Tourism Departments will perform a gap analysis to assess areas along major highways that lack sufficient amenities.
