Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 6: The Joint House Committee on Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex met here today under the chairmanship of MLC Sajad Ahmad Kichloo and deliberated on various issues related to the restoration of Complex.
Legislators Surinder Kumar Choudhary, Vikramaditya Singh, Charanjeet Singh, Ajaz Ahmad Khan, Choudhary Qamar Hussain, Kamal Verma and Ashok Khajuria (special invitee) attended the meeting.
The Committee discussed in depth the progress of the complex restoration and comprehensive report provided by the concerned organization. The Committee raised some objections on the restoration works and objected to demolishing the historic Chabutra and park in the complex while executing the restoration works without seeking permission from the competent authority.
The Committee directed the Executive Director not to disturb the architectural features of the site while executing the renovation work of the complex, adding that any attempt to remodel/realignment of the site would diminish its basic objective. The Committee also sought the reasons for the slow progress of work and stressed for accelerating the activities so that the project is accomplished in time.
The Committee also took serious note of shifting of Tosha Khana to the Protocol Department and observed that the decision should be reversed and same should remain with the Mubarak Mandi Heritage Society as this was part of it. The Committee directed to write to the Government for reversing the decision and also sought participation of the senior functionaries of the Protocol Department in the next meeting.
The Committee strongly objected for parking of vehicles by the people in the premises, maintaining that it hampers the restoration work and also 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 Secretary Culture, Dilshad Khan and Executive Director, Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex, Rohit Khajuria briefed the Committee about the progress of restoration work and allied matters relating to it.
It was informed that till date an amount of Rs 12.51 crore has been spent on various works out of Rs 16.26 crore released till date. It was apprised that the work is in progress as per routine and authorities will abide by the heritage norms while undertaking the restoration works.
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