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| Jora calls for restoration of 3,000 year old fort’s glory | | | EARLY TIMES REPORT
JAMMU, April 07- The Minister for Tourism and Culture, Mr. Nawang Rigzin Jora said that Jammu and Kashmir has several heritage sites, reminiscent of its rich cultural heritage, which needs to be showcased for promoting heritage tourism. Underscoring the need for restoration of the past glory of all cultural heritage sites, he asked the concerned authorities to identify all such sites for taking up their conservation, adding it would not only cater to the yearnings of heritage lovers at domestic as well as international level but would act as catalyst for the economy of the state.
Mr. Jora said this while visiting Bahu Fort on Tuesday. He directed the authorities for time bound completion of conservation and development works of the Fort. The Minister went round the fort and enquired about works in progress.
The majestic Bahu Fort situated on the banks of river Tawi, is the oldest existing edifice believed to be nearly 3,000 years old .It is now surrounded by the lush green and terraced garden called Bagh-e-Bahu.
The Bahu Fort has been declared State protected monument and is being developed as a heritage site. The conservation and development work of the Fort has been started during the year 2006 at an estimated cost of Rs. 69.70 lakh. So far, Rs. 45 lakh has been spent on its development.
The conservation works include restoration of pristine glory of the monument so that it is developed as a magnificent Dogra heritage site, as the Fort has the potential to attract large number of domestic as well as international tourists.
While going around the Fort, the Minister issued instructions to all the concerned authorities to identify other potential heritage sites for their conservation and preservation.
During the inspection, the Minister urged the authorities to seek the expertise of reputed artisans of the country for early completion of the project.
The Minister went round the heritage Fort and took on the spot assessment of the renovation works taken up. He also issued necessary instructions to the concerned for ensuring regular cleanliness within and outside the Fort premises.
Director Archives and Museums Mr. K.A Qadri briefed the Minister about various conservation and renovation works taken up. He apprised the Minister that conservation and restoration works of the rampart wall and view points are at final stage while as the restoration of royal residence, water tanks, establishment of photo gallery depicting cultural heritage of Jammu and landscaping in front of the Fort have also been taken up.
Superintendent Engineer, JDA, Mr. Chadwal, Deputy Director Archives and Museums Mr. Pankaj Mangotra and other concerned officers accompanied the Minister during the inspection.
The Minister directed the authorities to shift the fallen debris around the Fort for creating open space for the landscaping to enhance the aesthetic view of the Fort. He also issued instructions for installation of light and sound system besides early completion of illumination of the Fort for attracting the tourists.
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