Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 5: Today, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo visited the Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex to conduct an on-site assessment of the conservation and protection efforts that have been underway for the past several years.
He was joined by the Principal Secretary of Culture, the Secretary of R&B, the Executive Director of the Mubarak Mandi Heritage Society, the Deputy Commissioner of Jammu, along with other relevant officials.
During his tour of the various heritage buildings within the complex, the Chief Secretary reviewed the ongoing conservation activities and inquired about the future plans of the society concerning the adaptive reuse of these structures following their restoration.
Dulloo urged the Society to expedite the work to ensure completion within a set timeframe. He stressed that heritage restoration is a technical endeavor requiring meticulous attention and expertise to execute effectively.
He instructed them to restore the complex’s original grandeur while maintaining its aesthetic charm to reflect its historical significance. Inside the refurbished Darbar Hall, which now houses the Dogra Art Museum, he explored various sections, including the Numismatics Gallery, Jewellery Section, Archaeology Section, and an exhibit showcasing a collection of historical artifacts.
The Chief Secretary also evaluated the advancements made in the restoration of key structures, such as the Raja Ram Singh and Raja Amar Singh Palaces, as well as the Museum building, which is nearing completion and will house a diverse range of historically significant antiquities.
Additionally, he acknowledged the necessity of developing a multi-storey parking facility for visitor convenience, alongside beautifying the courtyard and implementing other amenities in coordination with INTACH.
Dulloo emphasized that, along with the area developed under the PPP model, the complex is set to become a major tourist attraction in Jammu city.
He assured that sufficient funds are available to complete the projects promptly and expressed optimism that the ongoing restoration, conservation, and protection efforts could be finalized within the next two years, transforming the complex into a compelling destination for visitors.
During the visit, Principal Secretary of Culture, Suresh Kumar Gupta, provided insights into the plans for adaptive reuse of the conserved structures, along with additional facets of this significant initiative.
Executive Director, MMJHS, Deepika Sharma, offered an overview of the conservation aims and objectives of the complex.
It was noted that the initial vision document for its conservation was crafted by INTACH in 2008, followed by a comprehensive master plan formulated and approved in 2019.
Essentially, the complex has been divided into six zones: Public Zone, Knowledge Centre, Interpretation & Collection Galleries, Lifestyle, Experiential Spaces, and Crafts Bazaar.
Furthermore, it was disclosed that a total of Rs 144.15 crore is earmarked for various sub-projects within this heritage complex under the Master Plan.
Reports indicate that some sub-projects have been completed while work on others is progressing steadily to meet deadlines.
