Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Aug 17: Minister for Housing, Horticulture and Culture Raman Bhalla directed the Vice Chairman Jammu Development Authority (JDA) and Consultant Tourism and Culture to immediately start the restoration work of damaged portion of Bahu Fort heritage complex, asserting that the place is the main attraction of the City of Temples.
This was stated by the Minister while interacting with the officers after inspecting the damaged site of the Bahu Fort heritage complex, here today.
District Development Commissioner, Jammu, Ajeet Kumar Sahu, Vice Chairman Jammu Development Authority Satesh Nehru, Superintending Engineer JDA P L Bhushan besides other senior officers of Culture, Revenue and JDA were present on the occasion.
Mr. Bhalla informed that Government has already sanctioned Rs. 64 lakh for illumination, jorha garh, fencing besides renovation of ancient fountain situated in the Maha Kali temple. He asked the executing agency JDA to complete all the allied works within stipulated time frame.
The Minister apprised that the Government has earmarked corpus fund of Rs. 50 crore for meeting the expenditure on conservation and preservation of rich heritage assets of the State, against which Rs. 2 crore stands released, which would be invested as long and short term measures for the purpose.
Mr. Bhalla said that initially three heritage sites one each in Kashmir, Jammu and Ladakh regions would be taken up for preservation and conservation by the authority.
The Minister stressed upon the concerned to take all necessary steps for making the authority more vibrant and result oriented. He said Jammu and Kashmir is proud to have 5000 years of living traditions with enormous number of monuments, heritage places archaeology sites and their preservation is on focused attention of the Government. He said during the present regime strenuous efforts are being made for preservation of State’s cultural legacy, adding that the enactment of Heritage Conservation and Preservation Act would further help in conserving the distinct heritage assets of the State.
Mr. Bhalla said that the Ancient Monuments Preservation Act was also updated after a gap of 19 years and rules and regulation for both the Acts are in force for the purpose.
The Minister emphasized speedy start of work on revival of the pristine glory of Zorawar Singh Palace at Vijaypur and Reasi, Chamba Rock Cut Sculpture Kartsaye at Kargil, Poonch House Talab Tilloo Jammu, Heritage Building SPS College Srinagar. He said the detailed project reports on these projects have been approved for early start of work.
Earlier, the Minister also visited the residents of those families whose family members expired due to flash floods on August 14, 2013 and handed over Rs. 1.50 lakh to next of kins under Natural Calamity Relief Fund.
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