Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, June 20: A comprehensive plan for renovation and beautification of the historic Khankah-e-Moulla on heritage pattern has been formulated which is among the measures aimed to preserve the cultural heritage of the State.
The information was given at a high level meeting convened under the chairmanship of Minister for Rural Development, Law, Justice, Panchayati Raj and Parliamentary Affairs, Ali Mohammad Sagar.
Vice Chairman, Waqaf Board, Dr. M. Y. Qadri, District Development Commissioner, Srinagar, Baseer Ahmed Khan, Commissioner SMC, Dr. G. N. Qasba, Vice Chairman SDA, Farooq Renzu, Director Tourism, Talat Parveez, Chief Engineer R&B, Mushtaq Lone, Chief Town Planner, Muneer Khan, Convener & Head State Chapter INTACH, Saleem Beig and other senior officers attended the meeting.
It was also decided in the meeting that the restoration work would be taken up while taking into consideration that the already existing structures as well as the material used originally does not get affected. The expert advice would be taken from the INTACH who have already been instrumental in renovating and repairing certain historical buildings as well as heritage sites in the State.
It was also decided that the committee headed by Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar would submit a detailed report about the restoration to be carried out within 15 days. The renovation and repairmen would be done purely on the heritage pattern keeping in view the already existing material and the patterns.
While addressing the officers, Mr. Sagar said “we have to ensure that this historical shrine which is of prime importance historically, architecturely and religiously is properly preserved for the posterity”. Care should also be taken that the existing material as well as the patterns are not damaged while carrying out the proposed renovation, the Minister maintained.
Mr. Sagar also directed the officers to prepare comprehensive plan by which more structures around the shrine can be acquired so as to carry out the proper landscaping and developing the riverfronts. He said that care should also be taken to ensure that the proposed beautification of the catchment area of the shrine should be in accordance with the local architechtural patterns and tastes.