Excelsior Correspondent
SAMBA, Mar 16:To discuss issues regarding conservation and restoration of Samba Fort, Secretary, Department of Culture Hemant Kumar Sharma and District Development Commissioner (DDC), Sheetal Nanda, held a meeting with local residents, prominent citizens and concerned officers within the fort premises today.
The local residents demanded regular maintenance of Samba fort with face-lifting and lighting of the structure. They cited absence of Chowkidar and security personnel as a major factor for dilapidated condition of the fort. They further demanded that the fort land should be demarcated so that no encroachment takes place.
DDC informed that district administration is actively working towards protection of the heritage site. She informed that the process of preparation of DPR for complete renovation and conservation of the fort has been initiated and also that the demarcation of the fort area has been completed. She also informed that the proposal for upgradation of the library housed in the fort, development of a small park and a chain link boundary are already in the pipeline.
Secretary, Department of culture informed that Detailed Project Report will be prepared with community participation for renovation of the fort. He called for preparation of comprehensive project with a future usage plan.
SM Sahni, Convener Jammu Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) also provided inputs for restoration of the structure.
Among others, CEO Samba, Xens PHE, PDD, PWD, Deputy Director, Libraries, Jammu and other senior officers were present on the occasion.
Meanwhile, in connection with Anti Tobacco Campaign in J&K, an Awareness Workshop was organized at Government Degree College, Samba by Director Health Services Jammu in collaboration with International Union for TB and Voluntary Health Association today.
DDC Sheetal Nanda was the chief guest, while the workshop was presided over by CMO Samba, Dr Rajeev Sharma. Dr NC Prabhakar, resource person from International Union for TB and Voluntary Health Association was also present.
A debate on ill effects of Tobacco use was held at Degree College on the occasion and 8 students participated and received certificates as well as prizes from the DDC.
The workshop was addressed by CMO Samba Dr Rajeev Sharma, Additional SP Raja Adil Hamid, Principal Degree College Dr Ramesh Chander and Ashutosh Sharma, CEO ICDRC.
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