Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Sept 1: Former minister and president Dogra Sadar Sabha, Gulchain Singh Charak has appealed to the State Govt to protect the sinking heritage of Mubarak Mandi without any delay.
Addressing a press conference here today Mr Charak, who is also Member Governing body and former Vice Chairman of Jammu Mubarak Mandi Heritage Society said that the Mubarak Mandi complex in Jammu located at the crown of this ancient town is not only a historical monument of archeological value to attract the curious tourists, but it denotes the very pride of Dogras and symbolizes the great culture of secular love lore, of folk songs and music of gallant warriors and artists and a very amicable, noble social order that grew under the umbrella of its rulers.
It is unfortunate that this great insignia of a race that nurtured here with a lamb and a tiger drinking water together is subjected to a systematic perish. The remnants of the great monument are in shambles and reduced to debris.
It is pathetic to see how this most precious heritage is dilapidated in bad shape and the precious historical buildings and other monuments are being destroyed in a planned manner by ravages of apathy and indifference by an insensitive political leadership and equally defunct administrative machinery. It is like administering a painful slow death by neglect to a culture, to a human race and to the pride history of the region.
Mr Charak said nothing is being done to save this Dogra heritage of Jammu region, from the incessant rains. The most valuable, important rare artifacts, books and other valuable articles and more than eight lakh files are stored in unsafe conditions of ruins under leaking roof and covered by a shattered tarpaulin cloth. It is good that despite the disturbed conditions in the Valley CM found time to preside over meeting concerning heritage & culture of Jammu region.
While giving suggestions, Mr Charak said as an immediate step, efforts should be given to stop the seepage in the palaces to arrest further damage. To save Maharani Charaki and other palaces/buildings temporary supports be given. There is need to strengthen slopes on the backside that may cave in any day. An inquiry committee be framed to probe the ruin of `Darbar-e-Aam’. He asked to ensure immediate repair of the museum building that is badly seeping besides restricting all kind of parking. He said a sub-committee be constituted for physical verification of Archives, Tosha-Khana, Library and Museum and also to check the inventories.
Mr Charak alleged that in last eight years just 5 % of the amount was spent on this project out of estimated Rs 235 crore funds. This is the degree of non- functioning, lethargy, inefficiency or a game of deceit played on the Jammu region.
Maj Gen GS Jamwal (Retd)-Member Governing body JMMHS, Prof NK Dogra, and Brig MS Jamwal (Retd) from DSS also spoke on the occasion.
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