Capt Anil Gour
Apropos, the article by a senior journalist “Be Rational on Mubarak Mandi Conservation” published in DE on 08 AUG 2021; has come as a surprise. Being associated with the Tourism Industry & also having been the Chairman Indian Association of Tour Operators for 14yrs I have taken a very keen interest in our Heritage & Cultural monuments showcasing it to the Foreign Tourist. It is not understood how such a senior journo should make suggestions for the construction of the Heritage Hotel, giving the rationale that the decision for the same was taken by one of the Governing Body some years back so hence now this left over decision should be implemented without going into the details as to why the previous decision was not implemented and what was the approved Master Plan for Conservation of this complex on 5th March 2019 in the 8th Meeting of the Governing Body of Mubarak Mandi Heritage Society under Chairmanship of Governor Satya Pal Malik, (Chairperson Mubarak Mandi Heritage Society) with Ms Deepika K. Sharma, Executive Director MMHS; as Member Secretary; vide Item No: 8.3 as under:
I Item No. 8.3I Approval of Master Plan for Conservation and Adaptive Re-use of Mubarak Mandi Palace Complex, Jm.
The Comprehensive Master Plan (Work Program) for Conservation and Adaptive Re-use of Mubarak Mandi Palace Complex Jammu consisting of 59 sub projects was approved. Mubarak Mandi Jammu Heritage Society to follow all Codal formalities, as and when, the Master Plan is implemented. The Vendors/ Agencies having requisite work experience and professional repute can only bid for the projects.
Even in his directions the then Governor made it very clear about the conservation of this complex in Sl. 6 of the said minutes as under:
6. Directions by the Chairman Hon’ble Chairman gave the following directions:-
a) The restoration works be taken up strictly as per ASI norms, Hon’ble Chairman directed representative of DG ASI to monitor the same as 3rd party.
b) The work orders for the execution of works to be awarded only through online tendering process and all government orders with respect to tendering process to be followed. The ASI should be consulted while framing the RFP’s/ Eal’s/ Tenders.
c) Hon’ble Chairman, while laying emphasis upon the historic significance of Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex and its projection as major attraction in tourism map of Jammu, underlined the need to bring the Complex up to (international standards so as to make it an active tourism destination and depict Jammu as significantly important culture centre on the world map.
d) Hon’ble Governor emphasized on expediting digitization of the archived records belonging to the Dogra period and throwing open to visitors the part of the Complex which gets completed.
It is very surprising that only a half-researched article has been published giving a total go by to the Recommendations of the Master Plan & subsequent decision of not having any Heritage Hotel OR such a commercial activity in the Mubarak Mandi Complex. The gist of recommendations Zone wise of the entire Mubarak Mandi Complex is as under of which ZONE – D, lays out how the Cluster of Zanana Mahals including Rani Charak’s Mahal have to be preserved & reused. Noteworthy there is no mention of converting these Mahals into any Heritage Hotels as is being made out by the said article & issuance of the EOI by the Executive Director is in direct contravention to the decisions of the Governing Body in its 8th Meeting of 5thMarch2021
Zone A: Comprising the Central Courtyard (Mandi) proposed to be the focal point for renewed civic pride and centre for cultural exchange. Besides cultural programmes depicting the rich Dogra culture (including the Cuisine and Folk songs/dances), it would be the venue for Sound & Light / Lazer shows;
Zone B: Comprising the row of Palaces/buildings along the western side of the central courtyard, including the magnificent Durbar Hall, Raja Amar Singh’s Palace and other buildings, envisaged as a knowledge center for use as Visitor Information Centre, Archives, Library, Conservation Lab, Conferences, Exhibitions, Administrative offices, etc.;
Zone C: Comprising the row of Palaces along the Eastern side of the Central Courtyard, including the Marble Hall, Raja Ram Singh’s Palace and other buildings, earmarked for Museums and Galleries for paintings, armory, sculptures, coins etc and a theme based interpretation centre;
Zone D: Cluster of Zenana Mahals, including the Sheesh Mahal, the lavishly decorated Rani Charak’s Mahal and others, along the Eastern periphery of the complex overlooking the Tawi valley, identified for having galleries depicting the life style and culture of Jammu, Kashmir, Ladakh, etc.;
Zone E: Comprising the imposing GoleGhar on the South East corner of the complex, the standing portion of which, with its predominantly western architectural style, rounded portions and a variety of arches in different architectural styles, somewhat resembles the Coliseum of Rome, and whose grandeur even in its ruinous form leaves a lasting impression on the beholder, proposed as an experiential space;
Zone F: Pratap Mahal and the Courtyard between Pratap Mahal and GoleGhar as a Craft Centre for Crafts Demonstration, Sale, Skill Development etc.
In the passing I would also like to bring to the notice of all the readers that the Mubarak Mandi Complex has been declared a Protected Monument Vide SRO 126 DT: 26 APRIL 2005 of the Jammu & Kashmir Ancient Monuments Protection Act Samvat 1977, by the J&K Govt. hence no such commercial activity of having Heritage Hotels can take place. In Rajasthan only private places which have been converted into hotels & protected monuments viz. Amer Fort are preserved accordingly.
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