Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 8:In order to highlight and discuss the issues related to the preservation of cultural and heritage sites in J&K, the Indian National Trust for Art & Cultural Heritage (INTACH), Jammu Chapter organized one-day seminar on the theme “Preserving the Built Heritage of Jammu and Kashmir & Evolving Technologies & Processes”, here today.
The objective of organizing this important event was to sensitize the stakeholders, especially the engineers about the significance and preservation of ancient precious cultural and heritage sites in Jammu and Kashmir.
Minister for Public Works (Roads & Buildings), Naeem Akhtar was chief guest while as Chairman, INTACH, Maj Gen (Retd) L.K. Gupta was guest of honor on the occasion.
Commissioner/Secretary Transport, Hemant Sharma, State Convener, INTACH, Saleem Beig, Convener Jammu Chapter, S.M. Sahni, Managing Director, JKPCC, Daleep Thussu, Chief Engineer, R&B, Alok Mengi, Chief Engineer, PMGSY, P.L. Bhushan, prominent environmentalist, Dr. C.M. Seth, members of INTACH, intellectuals and large number of engineers from Jammu division attended the seminar.
Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that Jammu and Kashmir is known for its unique and diverse cultural and natural heritage values for which the history is testimony. He called for a coordinated and tangible approach by various stakeholders to preserve this valuable treasure to maintain the legacy for the coming generations
Appreciating the efforts of the INTACH in restoring and preserving some identified important monuments in the State, the Minister said that the State will devise a well-knit strategy to protect these heritage sites with the help of INTACH and other such credible organizations. He stressed the need for organizing such events in all three regions of the State on regular basis to enlighten the people on this important subject, which he said will greatly help in preserving whatever left back in the State.
The Minister said that engineers have greater responsibility to save these valuable sites and also keeping alive the age old cultural heritages. He called upon them to evolve innovative techniques/ideas to create the heritage value added assets by using traditional material and craftsmen. He asked them to keep in mind the old architectural features which were linked to the local civilizations while executing the new projects to showcase these as heritage to the futuristic generations.
Maj. Gen. L.K. Gupta and Saleem Beig deliberated in-depth on the subject and apprised about its activities in the State.
Follow our WhatsApp channel