Suhail Bhat
Srinagar, Jan 16: The Shri Pratap Singh (SPS) Museum in Srinagar, inaugurated five years ago, awaits the completion of two unfinished floors as a Government committee intervenes to expedite the process and unlock its cultural and historical treasures for visitors.
While highlighting the current status of the Museum, an official from the Department of Archives, Archaeology, and Museums, entrusted with preserving Jammu and Kashmir’s tangible heritage, said that three floors of the building are complete, but finishing works on the two remaining floors are yet to be completed.
“The museum has five galleries covering subjects such as archaeology, numismatics, decorative art, arms and armoury, paintings, textiles, and more, contributing to the cultural and historical significance of the SPS Museum,” the official said.
The two unfinished floors could house six additional galleries, showcasing artefacts from armoury, archaeology, jewellery, decorative art, textiles, and manuscripts, and helping the museum showcase all its artifacts.
Mushtaq Ahmad Beigh, the Director of the Department of Archives, Archaeology, and Museums, emphasised the need for the museum to operate at its fullest potential. “Expanding galleries will enhance the user experience and draw more visitors,” he said.
The Jammu and Kashmir Housing Corporation executed the construction work of the new five-storeyed museum building at an estimated cost of Rs 72.40 crores. This cost includes Rs 30.74 crore for the building and Rs 35.90 crore for interior designing work. The building was opened to the public after a long wait of 11 years, but the corporation has left some sections incomplete, hampering the ability of tourists and locals to have a glimpse of the history of Kashmir spanning over 5000 years.
Acknowledging the urgency, the Government has established a committee to address “issues related to the SPS Museum.” The committee, led by the Engineer in Chief/Secretary Technical PW (R&B), comprises members from various departments, including Chief Engineer Public Works (R&B) (Central), Superintending Engineer from J&K Police Housing Corporation, Executive Engineer Public Works (R&B) in Rajbagh Srinagar, and Deputy Director of Archives, Archaeology and Museums Kashmir. The committee’s primary goal is to recommend measures for the swift completion of the museum.
Chief Engineer of the Roads and Buildings Department, Central, Sajjad Ahmad, affirmed the committee’s commitment to creat a world-class infrastructure for the museum. “We are there for the completion of the work and to ensure a world-class facility so that more and more visitors get to know about the rich history of the region,” he stated.
The Department of Archives, Archaeology, and Museums boasts one of the oldest archival repositories in the subcontinent, with record holdings dating back to the Mughal period (1724 AD). The multipurpose museums in Jammu and Srinagar are renowned worldwide for their extensive collections.
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