Funds constraints delay handover/takeover of Kathua center
*Duggar Dhani village in Samba yet to become reality
Mohinder Verma
JAMMU, Apr 1: Uncertainty continues to loom large over the establishment of seven Cultural Centers in different districts of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir while as funds constraints are delaying the handover/takeover of one established in Kathua district. Moreover, the announcement regarding development of Duggar Dhani village in Samba on the pattern of Chowki Dhani in Jaipur has yet not become reality.
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On March 13, 2023, it was officially announced that Government will establish Cultural Centers at Bandipora, Shopian and Anantnag in Kashmir division and Kishtwar, Udhampur, Kathua, Jammu and Poonch in Jammu division.
After the announcement, process was set into motion for identification of land for these centers by the Culture Department through Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages. While this exercise was going on with the involvement of administration in concerned districts, on July 23, 2024 Government again made announcement regarding establishment and operationalization of eight cultural centers as early as possible.
It was claimed that these Cultural Centers will be of great importance in the light of the fact that J&K is known for its cultural diversity with rich tapestry of languages, traditions and artistic expressions. Further, it was stated that establishment of these centers will go a long way in preserving and promoting the cultural heritage by serving as hubs for artistic activities, cultural exchanges and nurturing local talents.
However, despite repeated announcements Cultural Center has come up only in Kathua district while as in remaining districts suitable land could not be identified and provided to the J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages till date, official sources told EXCELSIOR.
“In Poonch district, the land has been identified but the same is yet to be transferred to the Academy of Art, Culture and Languages while as in Kishtwar the land identified by the district administration was found unsuitable. However, in other districts no progress has been made in making available encumbrance free land to the Academy”, sources informed.
They further said, “the most astonishing fact is that Cultural Center constructed in Kathua district could not be handed over to Academy of Art, Culture and Languages by the Roads and Buildings Department for want of funds”, adding “around 95% work is complete but unless the Academy gives money to the construction agency the handover/takeover of the building is not possible”.
“Huge State land in these districts is under encroachment and efforts should have been made to retrieve the same in order to facilitate establishment of Cultural Centers”, sources said, adding “in view of the prevailing situation uncertainty continues to loom large over translation of repeated announcements regarding Cultural Centers into reality”.
When contacted, an officer of the Academy of Art, Culture and Languages confirmed that Culture Center has come up only in Kathua district till date. “We cannot do anything unless suitable land is provided to us”, the officer added.
Similar is the fate of announcement regarding development of Duggar Dhani village in Samba with the traditional set up in the form of “mock village” made on July 23, 2024. The Duggar Dhani village was planned on the pattern of Chowki Dhani, which is known for its immersive Rajasthani-themed experiences, authentic food, folk music & dance and cultural activities.
“Only 100 kanals of land near Chichi Mata Temple has been identified but rest of the formalities like floating of Expression of Interest for establishment of Duggar Dhani village under Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode are still pending”, sources informed, adding “apart from the activities on the pattern of Chowki Dhani in Jaipur, the Duggar Dhani village will also promote adventure tourism as land is situated on a hillock”.
“As this concept will go a long way in promoting Dogra culture and cuisines and attract tourists for adventure activities the concerned authorities should promptly complete the procedural formalities so that announcement becomes reality as early as possible”, sources stressed.
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