Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 27: Minister for Housing, Horticulture, Culture, Youth Services and Sports Raman Bhalla today said that Government has identified 29 historical sites in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh regions for restoration work to revive their pristine glory, adding that in this regard directions have been issued to the concerned department to gear up their men and machinery in reviving the sites in their original form.
This was stated by the Minister while interacting with the faculty members after laying foundation of Snake Park at Government Gandhi Memorial (GGM) Science College, here today.
Principal of the GGM Science College Prof. Dr. Nutan K. Resutra and faculty members accompanied the Minister.
Mr. Bhalla said the proposed snake park in the college campus will provide safe natural habitat to prevent the extinction of the local species.
The Minister also visited the complex and took stock of condition of the building and the conservation works.
Mr. Bhalla said that 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. He said number of state monuments have already been restored to their pristine glory during last five and half years, he added.
The Minister said the conservation works on Hari Parbat Fort at Srinagar, Chingus Fort at Rajouri besides other historical buildings, temples, monasteries and shrines have been completed besides work on damaged Bahu Fort wall is under progress on war-footing by Jammu Development Authority.
Mr. Bhalla said Government has earmarked Rs. 80 lakh for illumination of front view of Bahu Fort. He said due attention was also being paid to preserve ancient manuscripts, paintings and artifacts. He said that all the three regions of the state were receiving equal attention.
Earlier, in order to facilitate the fresh students of Semester-I B.Sc and BCA for the session 2014-15 of GGM Science College, the Minister also released on line first merit list of selected students.
Mr. Bhalla said with this facility, the students could easily access their merit and combination of subject in science stream at home easily through college website. He said that this historic and student friendly approach by the college will go a long way in reducing the inconvenience to students during conventional admission process.
While welcoming the Minister, Dr. Nutan K. Resutra, Principal of the College presented the blueprint of the future developmental plans aimed at increasing and updating the infrastructure of the college including the construction of the main gate.
He informed that the college plans to throw open the Wadia Museum, that houses rich and unique fossil collection, to interested outside visitors.
Later, the Minister visited Udham Nagar in Digiana and kick started construction work of three lanes and drains, for which Government has earmarked Rs. 4.50 lakh.