Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Nov 22: The Minister for Tourism and Culture, Nawang Rigzin Jora has said that to restore pristine historical glory of Mubarak Mandi Palace and to make it a tourist attraction for the visiting tourists, the conservation and restoration work of the Royal Palace complex has been entrusted to Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). He said that the Centre has already sanctioned Rs 66.50 crore under 13th Finance Commission and Tourism Mega Destination Scheme, of which Rs 12 crore has been released to take up the conservation works on the Palace.
The Minister revealed this during his visit to Mubarak Mandi heritage Palace along with Minister of State for Tourism, Culture and Home, Nasir Aslam Wani for taking stock of the preparations being made by the Archaeological Survey of India for taking up the conservation works. He was apprised that joint inspection of ASI and Tourism Department has been conducted and issues related to conservation works of the palace sorted out.
The Minister said that the conservation work of erstwhile Army headquarter has already been completed by investing Rs 3.50 crore. He instructed concerned authorities to make it functional by shifting Maharajas’ museum artefacts to the building for tourist attraction. He asked ASI authorities to involve reputed skilled persons for restoration works of the palace buildings and ensure that the works be completed in time bound manner.
Mr. Jora said that the restoration and conservation works of palace of Raja Amar Singh, Queens Mehal of Raja Ram Singh, Badi Deori, Royal Court, Gadvi Khana, Darbar hall and Central hall form the first phase of the conservation project for which the Centre has approved Rs 66.50 crore.
The Minister directed concerned authorities to formulate another DPR to seek funding under the Central scheme, for taking up the remaining conservation works of the palace complexes.
On the occasion, the Minister of State for Tourism said that conservation and restoration of this historical heritage was the priority of the Government and hoped that the heritage site would act as a great attraction for the tourists. He directed to shift vehicles from the premises of the palace and informed that the development of two parking lots at Panjtirthi and Jammu Bus Stand are under pipeline.
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