Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 16: Advisor to Lieutenant Governor, KK Sharma today directed for early completion of Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex ((MMHC) maintaining that it constitutes one of the most iconic landmarks of history and culture of Jammu and Kashmir and needs quick restoration.
The Advisor was speaking at a review meeting convened to discuss the pace of restoration work being undertaken on the Mubarak Mandi Heritage complex.
Secretary Tourism and Culture Zubair Ahmad; Executive Director, Mubarak Mandi Jammu Heritage Society, and Director Tourism Jammu Deepika K. Sharma; Director Finance Tourism, Latief Oswal; Director Planning Tourism, PS Kakroo; Chief Engineer R&B Des Raj, and representatives of Consultancy Firm were also present.
The Advisor directed for synergized approach for ensuring quick completion of the restoration works so that the historic complex comes up as an iconic tourism place depicting the rich Dogra culture and heritage.
He said that the regular meetings should also be held with the executing agencies as well as the consultants so that the work is fast paced and bottlenecks, if any, are removed.
While spelling out the initiatives being undertaken for restoration and conservation of heritage buildings and culture, the Advisor said several initiatives have already been undertaken for ensuring the proper preservation of the rich cultural traditions of Jammu and Kashmir.
He said that this part of the country is replete with several monuments and heritage buildings and government would ensure that these are properly restored and preserved.
The Advisor also directed the executive director to work out a plan regarding optimum utilization of those buildings of Heritage Complex which have been restored so that these are put to the best public use.
While reviewing the presentation being given on the project, the Advisor directed Executive Director to ensure that all works under progress are completed within the stipulated time frame and strictly as per the approved design/DPRs.