Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, July 2: Minister for Housing, Horticulture and Culture, Raman Bhalla inspected the on-going renovation work of SPS Museum, here today and issued instructions to the executing agency to speed up the pace and accomplish the project well within the stipulated time frame.
Mr. Bhalla laid stress on maintaining the quality of work strictly as per the laid down specifications. He directed the Managing Director, J&K Police Housing Corporation to personally monitor the project on day-to-day basis to ensure its timely completion. He stressed the need for close coordination between agencies for achieving better results.
The Minister said that it is endeavor of the Government to preserve State’s rich culture and heritage for the coming generations as well as visitors from different parts of the globe, adding that State has rich treasure of heritage which needs to be preserved in a scientific way. He said the new building which will house SPS museum will attract millions of tourists to see the varied culture of Jammu and Kashmir. He said Government has taken several measures to preserve all the ancient historic sites and monuments which are centuries old and highlight the rich civilization.
The Minister was apprised that total cost of the new building of SPS Museum was Rs. 66.64 crore and first phase which comprises construction of building has been completed with an expenditure of Rs. 30.74 crore. The second phase involves interior designing, museum shop, children activity room, conservation lab, introductory gallery etcon modern lines and as per international standards. This will involve Rs. 35.90 crore and is slated to be completed by mid- 2014.
The Minister was further informed that at present there are 28 places and structures which have been declared as State heritage sites and Department of Archives has been maintaining them. These sites include ancient temple and spring at Kothiar Anantnag, Hari Parbhat Fort, Srinagar, Bahufort in Jammu, Bhimgarh fort in Reasi, Samba fort, Mubarak Mandi heritage complex and Mughal Sarai Chingus in Rajouri etc. The work on their proper preservation is in progress, the Minister was told.
The Minister also inspected the old museum and evinced keen interest in the ancient and priceless treasure. He called for proper upkeep of each item of great historical significance.
Managing Director, J&K Police Housing Corporation, Dilbagh Singh, Consultant Tourism and Culture Department, K.A. Qadri, Curator SPS Museum, Mushtaq Beigh and other officers of Archeology & Achieves were present on the occasion.
Earlier, the Minister chaired a high-level meeting of officers to review the progress of various flagship programmes being implemented by the horticulture department. He stressed the need for strengthening the monitoring mechanism for optimum utilization of funds meant for different schemes.
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