Deputy Commissioner(DC) Srinagar, Akshay Labroo today conducted an on-site inspection of the ongoing upgradation and renovation works at Vicharnag Temple and Khankah-e-Naqshband Sahib (RA) being executed under the Heritage Conservation Scheme of the Government to preserve the rich cultural, spiritual and architectural heritage in the District.
During the visit, the Deputy Commissioner was accompanied by the Additional Deputy Commissioner, Mir Imtiyaz Ul Aziz, Chief Planning Officer, Fayaz Ahmad Dar, IAS Probationer, Alfred Thomas, Superintending Engineer, R&B, Circle North, Shabir Ahmad, Executive Engineers of R&B, SMC, PHE, PDD, UEED, Tehsildar, Eidgah, Officers of Archives & Archaeology and other concerned Departments.
At the ancient Vicharnag Temple, a site of immense historical and religious significance located in Nowshera area of the District, the Deputy Commissioner took a detailed on-site appraisal of the revival, restoration, and conservation works being undertaken under the Government scheme to preserve the heritage character of the monument.
On the occasion, the DC reviewed the different project components at the site and directed the Officers to ensure strict adherence to set timelines and quality of the work as envisioned under the project guidelines. He directed the Officers to further expedite the pace of works and take technically feasible measure for efficient drainage mechanism at the important heritage site.
The DC was informed that substantial progress has been achieved on various components of the project, including land filling, construction of gate, boundary wall, toilet block and security quarter. It was further informed that underpinning works of the two main temple structures and restoration of the main springs are nearing completion.
In addition, works related to levelling of ground, development of pathways and allied components have been initiated at the site. The DC directed the concerned officers to ensure strict adherence to prescribed timelines and maintenance of high-quality standards as envisioned under the project guidelines.
He further directed that the pace of work be expedited and technically feasible measures be adopted for establishing an efficient drainage mechanism at the heritage site. At Khankah-e-Naqshband Sahib (RA), Khawaja Bazar Nowhatta in the Shahr-e-Khaas area of Srinagar, the Deputy Commissioner reviewed the ongoing preservation works being executed under the Heritage Conservation Scheme.
On the occasion, the DC stressed upon the officers to accelerate the pace of work on the project and ensure its timely completion with adherence to prescribed quality. He was informed that the project includes structural conservation while retaining the original exterior appearance, restoration of wooden architecture and intricate ornamentation, restoration of wooden elements on the exterior façade, and installation of khatamband ceiling with traditional papier-mâché work in the central hall.
The DC emphasized that both projects are of significant heritage importance and are aimed at preserving and restoring the original architectural aesthetics of centuries-old spiritual and cultural landmarks of Srinagar.