Principal Secretary, Culture, Suresh Kumar Gupta, conducted an extensive tour of Udhampur district and took stock of ongoing Heritage/Monument restoration works. During the visit, the Principal Secretary inspected the on-going restoration works at heritage Bowli Complex at Charai Muttal and heritage fort at Krimachi.
At Charai Muttal heritage Bowli Complex, the Principal Secretary directed concerned officers to complete the leftover work of the approved DPR within two months. The heritage complex is situated at about 7 kms from Tikri village and is said to be more than 200 years old.
The iconic bowli has been restored along with associate structure. He also directed for expediting the restoration work of Krimachi fort to ensure its completion within current financial year. During his tour, Principal Secretary also visited Krimachi temple complex, an Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) protected monument and also interacted with locals of the area.
The Principal Secretary during the visit, emphasized on the vital importance of preserving Jammu and Kashmir’s rich cultural and historical heritage and instructed J&K Academy of art, culture and languages to organise cultural programs at these sites for making these heritage sites cultural hubs for attracting visitors and pilgrims from adjoining Vaishno Devi Katradham.
The Principal Secretary was accompanied by Sanjeev Rana, Additional Secretary, JKAACL; Dr.Sangeeta Sharma, Assistant Director, Archives, Archaeology and Museums; and other officers and officials from PWD (R&B) and Archives, Archaeology and Museums.