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| Govt's doublespeak exposed.....Why is Tourism Deptt its 'curator'.....? | | Mubarak Mandi Heritage site fast turning into a Parking Hub | | Early Times Report
JAMMU, Dec 2: In the sordid state of affairs prevalent all over under the present NC-Congress dispensation, a painful depiction of such tale is right in the heart of the City of Temples which speaks of doublespeak policy and hoodwinking strategy of this government. Mubarak Mandi complex which has since been declared as precious and protected area housing monuments of historical importance has finally turned into a Parking Hub, thanks to an indifferent coalition government as also unbothered so called Heritage Society which is unofficially or officialy allowing an increasing number of vehicles to be parked in and around the old Secretariat complex.
It sounds hypocritical and looks ironical to the reiteration of the government that it wants to preserve the much valued, priceless monuments, infact entire complex for posterity to remember and see the structures of Dogra rulers. The scenario is no new or just emerged messy state which irks all art and heritage lovers , instead a gradually grown up problem which no one can reverse or settle now, unless of course government wishes to speed up the matters on its end on multiple fronts to protect and preserve the site as assured to its pristine glory. However, what came as a grim reminder of government's doublespeak is what came to be witnessed recently when Tourism Department celebrated Heritage week. The government drumbeated through a series of advertisements that visitors were welcome to see the precious and pricelss artefacts in the Dogra Art Museum, terming it one of the best world over during this week and it was all free as no tickets were kept which is normally kept in token amounts at other such places for entrance.
This would have certainly come as added attraction not only for the tourists but also for the local people but despite this offer there was no zeal nor any rush of people, no matter the historical artefacts in the museum are anytime a feast for eyes. There is a pathetic reason for it: the museum has become out of bounds for the visitors and it cannot be easily approached or accessed not even by the VVIPs, leave alone tourists or the locals. Entire area is lined up on both sides by a huge number of vehicles and on one end the entry has been restricted by proper barricades and barriers. Heavy congestion of vehicles has choked the area to such an extent that even if Chief Minister himself was to make a sudden visit, he would not be able to reach up to the Museum with ease. The entire area remains choked throughout the day and the space is squeezed even for pedestrians. So how many tourists and locals would have made it to Museum during the Heritage week celebrations is anyones guess.
Given such messy state of affairs the story is beyond this depiction witnessed for a long time now. The flaw in the first place stands that why on earth this is the only Heritage Complex or Historical monument care of which has been entrusted to Toursim Department contrary to the universal practice of such places being looked after by the Archives or Archaeological Departments. The moot question also remains that despite having been declared a Heritage site, why vehicles are allowed to be parked there the number of which has swelled up from just less than 20 (belonging to local people on account of dearth of parking places) to hundreds at present . This will have to be answered under whose patronage parking slot is flourishing at present and where the revenue so collected goes. |
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