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| A grim reminder on Heritage Day | | Expedite 'healing touch' of Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex | | Early Times Report
Jammu, Nov 19: Three years back when the then coalition government decided to resuscitate Mubarak Mandi Heritage complex, it raised some hopes that this historical monument which for some years is being seen as crumbling edifice, would be saved from further deterioration. The intent of the government cannot be disputed, which is essentially aimed to 'recreate history' by way of massive yet careful curative works, not a big headway has been achieved as many crucial and vital aspects of the heritage are under ruins and on the verge of getting vanished. Curative work is going on in some portions but its pace marred by multiple reasons has added up mess at the site which is grim reminder to government on the Heritage Day' today to expedite restoration works or else the complex would lose glory and grandeur on other untouched fronts.
In a culturally and historically rich state like J&K, a plethora of monuments and heritage sites are lying in shambles and complete ruins for want of preservation and conservation, even as some realization has dawned on government for resuscitation. Passing of Heritage bill during last budget session came as relief on proverbial lines of 'better late than never', but over 7 months on, creation of a Heritage Authority as one major proviso has yet to come through. Delay in this step is delaying taking up of some major sites for protection and restoration works, though lack of adequate funds remains a major stumbling block in speeding up the renovation and repair works.
While some construction activity is going on at a very slow pace for over two years from one end, the other historically important buildings grouped in this complex which have yet to be touched, are fast losing remnants of art and many other aspects of architectural excellence which used to be proud possession of the residential palaces of Dogra rulers. Even though in shambles, the outer appearance of many buildings of Mubarak Mandi Palace looks elegant and exquisite for its architectural and rich cultural ethos. The State Tourism Department has outsourced the renovation and restoration work to ASI and INTACH, the two premier bodies of the country which are taking over curative works of historical monuments as a part of save Heritage programme.
Many experts and curators' views have been sought by the two bodies for some months apparently in order to restore and recreate the historical monument in its original grandeur. A society has been set up for the purpose which has many 'stalwarts' to supervise the ongoing work. What is then ailing the restoration project though repair works have been carried out for months. While government has its reasons and versions to explain the delay, main one being lack of adequate funds, the fact remains in the process of delay hundreds of paintings, miniatures are losing sheen for want of proper curative treatment., though some artefacts have been preserved in the museum. Construction material heaped around the Heritage site keeps ones hopes alive but the real need of the hour is to expedite the works on all fronts so that all aspects of this vital Heritage complex in the heart of the Jammu city retains its glory and historical significance not only for tourism promotion but also for the heritage purpose in true sense.
On Heritage Day today government feels proud to have initiated such works to restore and preserve the glory of many other monuments in Jammu region, bureaucratic hurdles whether at the state or centre level should in no way come as stumbling block in preserving and conserving the only site with rich cultural ethos of Dogra rulers in the heart of the city. For this is the only Heritage site which will give Jammu a distinct identity of possessing royal heritage in the midst of bustling activity of city on one end and a beautiful panoramic view of river Tawi on the rear end. |
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