Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 14: A delegation of prominent citizens and members of Dogra Sadar Sabha, Jammu and Kashmir, led by Th Gulchain Singh Charak, President of the Sabha and former minister, held a meeting with Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, Ramesh Kumar, in his office chambers here today and brought into his notice various issues of great public importance.
Mr Charak drew attention towards the need for undiluted restoration of Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex and recalled that a proposal for inclusion of Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex in the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites stands forwarded by Director Archives, J&K, to UNESCO through Archeological Survey of India in December 2020. The matter needs to be vigorously pursued, he said.
Mr Charak reiterated that the precious Mubarak Mandi archives need proper protection within the complex and shouldn’t be shifted outside, because that may lead to tampering and damage of this old historical record in transit. He appealed to the Government that the Maharani Charak Palace shouldn’t be converted into hotel as it will cause irreparable loss to authenticity and heritage value of this oldest structure in Mubarak Mandi Complex, constructed in 1710 A.D. He emphasized that the steep slopes/embankments along the foundations of Mubarak Mandi Complex on the Tawi River side front are under serious threat of erosion and need immediate strengthening through appropriate engineering measures.
DSS President also raised the issue of declaring Ranbir Canal as state protected monument in view of its history, restoration of about 75 traditional water ponds of Kathua district, damage to houses because of careless widening/four-laning of National Highway 44 at several places passing through Chanderkote – Ramban, proper protection of 118- year old Dogra Sadar Sabha headquarter Complex at Dogra Hall and upgradation of gallery of the brave Dogras, etc.
The Divisional Commissioner gave a patient hearing to all the issues and assured to resolve and mitigate the problems raised in the meeting, in accordance with rules and in the public interest.
Prominent among those who accompanied Mr Charak in the meeting, included Col Karan Singh,(Retd), Maj Gen (retd) Sunita Kapoor, Col (Retd) Dr Virendra K Sahi, Gambhir Dev Singh Charak, Chander Mohan Sharma, Amanat Ali Shah and others.
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