Jammu, March 22 (Scoop News) – Minister for Tourism and Culture, Nawang Rigzin Jora today reiterated commitment of the Government to conserve the archaeological and cultural heritage of the State with special emphasis on preservation of the Mubarak Mandi Heritage complex.
In a statement, made in the Legislative assembly today, the Minister said till date 38 monuments have been declared as State Protected Monuments and 69 monuments notified as centrally protected Monuments (under ASI). He said that special emphasis has been laid on preservation and conservation of Mubarak Mandi heritage Complex.
The Minister said since it was realized that special efforts would be required for conservation of the "Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex" which is a society christened as "Mubarak Mandi Heritage Society registered under the societies registration Act 1998 was established in 2006. The main objective of the society was to initiate a necessary measure for the preservation of Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex and to restore its original grandeur.
"As per the articles of association, the Chief Minister is the ex-officio chairman of the society and also the chairman of the Governing Body. There is also an executive Committee which is responsible for day-today affairs of the society", Jora added.
He said vide GAD Order No. 561 of 2008 dated 23-4-2008, the Mubarak Mandi heritage Complex was transferred to the Mubarak Mandi Heritage Society for conservation and management purposes, adding that INTACH, New Delhi was entrusted the task of preparing a Vision Plan for the Mubarak Mandi heritage Complex. As per the DPRs submitted by the INTACH, New Delhi, the total cost of restoration of various buildings worked out as Rs 235.92 crore. Keeping in view the availability of funds for conservation of monuments, special efforts were obviously required for arranging substantial funding in order to ensure conservation and restoration of the complex.
He spelt out the measures taken so far, saying under CSS a project for Rs 4.37 crore was got sanctioned for restoration of Army headquarters (High Court) out of which Rs 3 crore have been released so far and restoration work is under progress by ASI.
He said four buildings costing Rs 25.42 crore were identified and the project has been submitted to the Union Ministry of Tourism, under the Mega Project which has been agreed in principle and the formal approval is awaited.
He said the 13th Finance Commission has recommended an award of Rs. 50.00 crores for restoration of the Heritage Complex. Accordingly, four buildings have been identified costing Rs. 52.07 crores and the project has been submitted to the Government of India after getting it cleared by the State level Monitoring Committee. The funding is expected from the next financial year onwards.
The Minister said two projects for Dogra Art Museum etc costing Rs. 11.35 crores have been submitted to the Ministry of Culture, Government of India whereas the project for restoration of Gole Garh costing Rs. 26.32 crores have been submitted to the Ministry of Culture, Government of India to explore funding under the World Monuments Fund
“Even with all the aforesaid measures it is not expected to achieve full funding for the vision Plan prepared by the consultants”, the Minister said adding in order to seek resources for the balance work, the consultants recommended that PPP route may be followed by the Mubarak Mandi Heritage Society as some of the structures could not only be restored but also put to adaptive use thereby providing avenues for raising revenue for sustainable operation and maintenance. He said the matter regarding floating of expression of interest for Heritage Hotel was discussed in the 2nd meeting of the Governing Body of the Society on 5.3.2009. It was decided that a subcommittee under the chairmanship of Vice Chairman G. S. Charak and comprising four other members would examine the whole issue and take into confidence other senior citizens and cross sections of the people in Jammu for their view point. The report of the sub-committee was to be placed before the Governing Body in the next meeting.
Jora said sub-committee discussed the matter and held consultation with senior citizens and various sections of people of Jammu and proposed that as per the Vision Plan prepared by INTACH, the residential places of royal families be leased out to leading hotel chains for conservation, preservation/ restoration and operation of heritage hotel. It also recommended that the Expression of Interest with clear cut terms and conditions under PPP mode be initiated by the Society. The recommendations of the sub-committee were considered in the 3rd meeting of the Governing Body of the Mubarak Mandi Heritage Society where the proposal was approved. Accordingly, the Mubarak Mandi Heritage Society has called for Expression of Interest by Issuing advertisements in newspapers.
The Minister said keeping in view the concerns of some members expressed in the House, the matter will be once again examined. This could include technical, legal, financial and other issues to the conservation/restoration of the Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex. In the meanwhile, the Mubarak Mandi Heritage Society will be requested to keep on hold the proposal pending its re-examination and final decision by the Governing Body.