The Joint House Panel on Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex headed by its Chairman, Sajjad Ahmed Kichloo today paid visit to the heritage site where the work of restoration is in progress. The Panel inspected the pace of work and sought details of execution and allied works from the concerned functionaries.Legislators, Surinder Kumar Choudhary, Ajaz Ahmad Khan, Rajesh Gupta, Pawan Kumar Gupta and Ashok Khajuria (Special Invitee) also accompanied.The Panel expressed concern over the slow progress on the project and called upon the concerned functionaries to speed up the pace so that the restoration works are executed in time. It directed the concerned to take care of the original architectural features of the site while executing the renovation works of the complex to maintain the original glory of this precious heritage. It issued specific instructions to the authorities to closely monitor the quality of works to ensure the original architectural features of the site.
The Committee also seriously viewed the issue of unauthorized parking of vehicles by the people in the premises which also hampers the restoration works and create nuisance in the locality. It directed the concerned for taking appropriate measures for restricting the entry of unauthorized persons and vehicles in the main gates. The Panel directed the concerned to undertake immediate repair of the wooden main gate which is in dilapidated condition and can cause harm to the passerby. The Members also interacted with the locals and prominent citizens of the area and sought their views on the renovation and related issues.Earlier, the Committee held a meeting in the Legislature complex and reviewed the progress registered on various works by the Mubarak Mandi Heritage Society and deliberated on allied issues.
The Executive Director, Mubarak Mandi Heritage Society, Vishesh Mahajan briefed the Committee on the achievements through a power point presentation. It was informed that conservation work was initially started by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in June, 2008 on the DPR of Rs. 235.92 crore formulated by the INTACH.
The work on the two buildings, namely erstwhile Army Headquarters and Foreign Office was completed by the ASI in the year 2011at a cost of Rs.4.37 crore and handed over to the Society. These renovated buildings are being used for holding exhibitions and tourists, and local people are regularly visiting the site to see it. Presently the works involving an estimated cost of Rs. 8.82 crore are in progress, for which the funding has been made under 13th Finance Commission.Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, Dr. Pawan Kotwal, Joint Municipal Commissioner, JMC, R.S. Jamwal and officers of other concerned Departments and Council Secretariat were also present on the occasion.