Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Oct 25: Minister for Housing, Horticulture and Culture, Raman Bhalla, today said that Government has taken up various restoration works to revive pristine glory of Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex, adding that conservation of this magnificent and historic palace would further add to tourism industry in Jammu region.
This was stated by the Minister while addressing a large gathering at the 3-day Duggar Festival organized by Duggar Vikas Manch, at Diwan-e-Aam, Mubarak Mandi here today.
MLA, Ashok Khajuria, Director Tourism, Soujanya Sharma, besides people of City of Temples in large numbers were present on the occasion.
The Minister also visited the complex and took stock of condition of the building and the conservation works.
The Minister said that J&K has rich cultural heritage and conservation and restoration of historical monuments in the state was receiving focused attention of the Government. He said that a number of such state monuments have already been restored to their pristine glory during last five years.
Mr. Bhalla said the conservation works on Hari Parbat Fort at Srinagar, Chingus Fort at Rajouri besides other historical buildings, temples, monasteries, shrines have been completed besides work on damaged Bahu Fort wall is being executed on war-footing by Jammu Development Authority (JDA). He said due attention was also being paid to preserve ancient manuscripts, paintings and artifacts.
The Minister said that promotion of heritage tourism in the State is Government’s prime concern and measures are afoot to restore the pristine glory of left out historical sites. He said Government has identified 29 historical sites in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh regions for their preservation and conservation. He said stress is being laid on restoration of all heritage sites of the State to their original form by adopting scientific methods and involvement of highly skilled man power.
Mr. Bhalla said that all the three regions are receiving equal attention and several major development initiatives were taken and some are in pipe line for development of tourism in Jammu division.
The Minister said that the promotion of heritage tourism provides an opportunity to the visiting yatris from various parts of the country and abroad to have a glimpse of the rich cultural heritage of Jammu and Kashmir based on the peaceful co-existence of people of different faiths.
The Minister said that for development of surrounding areas of ancient Ranvir Nath Ji temple near Jammu Airport, Government has earmarked Rs. 89 lakh for construction of approach road, landscaping, toilet complex, illumination, seating, jogging track and car parking facilities for the visitors.
Describing tourism sector as another potential area for State’s economic growth, Bhalla said that in view of the ever increasing rush of pilgrims to Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine, Shri Amarnath Shrine and Shri Budha Amarnath ji Shrine, a number of tourist circuits have been created for boosting the tourism in the State.
Earlier, renowned artists of Jammu division presented a colourful cultural items depicted Dogra rich culture and heritage of the State, which was highly applauded by the audience.
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