Excelsior Correspondent
SAMBA, May 29: Minister of State for Education, Technical Education, Culture, Tourism, Horticulture, Floriculture and Parks Priya Sethi today convened a meeting to review the proposed Samba Fort restoration plan prepared by The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH).
The meeting had threadbare discussion on proposed site and building plans. The plan proposes establishment of Skill Development-cum-Vocational Training Centre, Community Facility Centre and Amphitheatre catering to every section of the society. The plan also includes proposal for War Heroes Gallery and separate entry for each block.
The Minister directed for preserving the socio-cultural aspect of the heritage structure in its original form. She further directed to include ‘Gram Sabha’ theme in the proposed plan depicting calico printing and rich heritage and culture of Samba.
She stressed upon the society to share responsibility in developing and restoring the famous heritage locations so that future generations can know about their grand past. She directed for giving beautiful outer look to fort so that it attracts tourists.
“The Government is committed to develop old heritage sites of the State and bring the unexplored sites up on the tourist map of the State,” she added.
On the occasion, prominent citizens of Samba gave their views for fort revival.
ADDC Vivek Sharma, ADC Pawan Sharma, CEO SMDA Vikas Gupta, S.M Sahni, Convenor, INTACH Jammu chapter, Kavita Suri and eminent environmentalist Dr C M Seth were also present in the meeting.
Earlier, the Minister accompanied by MLA Samba Dr. Devinder Kumar Manyal, DC Samba Sheetal Nanda, SSP Samba Joginder Singh and senior leader Mamta Singh convened a public grievance camp at the Fort.
The public put forth their grievances and demands which inter-alia included up-gradation of border roads, augmenting water supply, shortage of staff in some Government schools and regular power supply in border areas.
The officers responded to queries and grievances raised by the public on the spot.
Priya Sethi reiterated that the Coalition Government is working in a fair and transparent manner for all round development of the State. She stressed upon importance of public awareness regarding various Government schemes.
She informed that under Swadesh Darshan, proposals are being made for developing Satwari-Utterbehni and Purmandal Circuit and various other development projects are in initiation phase.
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