JAMMU: Expressing concern over slow pace of restoration work on the prestigious Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex, Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti, on Monday stressed on roping in other agencies to supplement the ongoing works being carried out by the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) so that the restoration work is expedited and grandeur of the heritage site is restored.
The Chief Minister issued these directions while chairing Seventh Governing Body meeting of Mubarak Mandi Heritage Society (MMHS).
Also present in the meeting were Minister for Finance, Culture and Labour and Employment Dr Haseeb Drabu, Minister of State for Education, Tourism and Culture, Priya Sethi, Legislators, Rajesh Gupta and Ashok Khajuria, and other official and non-official members of the Mubarak Mandi Heritage Society.
Stressing the need to fix timeline for taking up various components of work of the State Protected Monument, the Chief Minister issued directions for identifying agencies other than ASI having relevant expertise in conservation of heritage sites, so that they are entrusted with the work to restore the buildings on fast-track.
The Chief Minister also issued directions to the Department of Tourism to simultaneously take up landscaping and beautification works in the complex.
The Governing body also approved sanctioning of Rs 50 lakh for undertaking the preservation and shifting of nearly five lakh rare manuscripts, documents, reports, books etc.
Calling for better synergy between various agencies involved in restoration works, Mehbooba laid stress on emulating best practices in conservation of heritage sites and buildings.