Sir,
This has a reference to news item “Priya reviews Samba Fort Restoration Plan”. DE May 30. In this connection I would like to request the Minister to engage “Intach” for protection and restoration of Kotli Fort in village Ladden (Udhampur) on the pattern of restoration of Samba Fort.
It is pertinent to mention here that due to constant neglect on the part of concerned authorities all the forts and palaces of Udhampur district have been turned inton “Ruins” except Fort and Palaces of Ramnagar. It is painful to mention that Forts/Palaces of Udhampur were dismantled to run Boys Higher Secondary School, the Jaganoo Fort is also being used for Higher Secondary School.
The famous Chandervanshi Palace where shooting of “Jaani Dushman” film took place, was dismantled to construct Tehsil building. The Guest House (only remains of Buildings of Raja Chenani) is being used as Police Station without any repair and renovation. Other Forts of Udhampur have lost their existence. The “Inns” and “Hawelies” at Holy Devika have collapsed.
This “Kotli Fort” which is also called as Ladden Fort is very near to Chenani Power House clearly visible on the opposite of National Highway at a distance of four kilometers from city Headquarters. Near the Fort, there is an old temple of Mata Jalandhra Ji the Kul Devi of Chandervanshi kings of Chenani. It is believed that Raja Dayal Chand of Chenani built this strong Fort for protection of State from advancing Sikh Forces/Jammu Darbar expansion. Everybody going to Srinagar from Udhampur or back was eager to know the History of this Fort as it was in excellant condition, but due to utter neglect both the sacred temple and the Fort are in a miserable condition to the extent that only some walls and pillars are available on the ground. J&K State Govt and the Minister Priya Sethi are requested to order restoration of ‘Kotli’ Fort like Samba Fort, so that remains of famous Chenani State are saved from further destruction of research and tourism.
Yours etc….
Rajinder Chand Anthal
Chenani Distt Udhampur
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