STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: Th Gulchain Singh Charak, President Dogra Sadar Sabha (DSS) J&K and former minister chaired a review meeting of Central Working Committee (CWC) of DSS wherein roadmap for follow up action on agenda of previous meetings was discussed in detail. It was also resolved to place unsettled issues before the LG Manoj Sinha and other concerned for immediate redressal. The participants reiterated major demands of DSS to immediately restore Mubarak Mandi complex to its pristine glory and not to shift the soul of Mubarak Mandi complex, that is the archives, worth hundreds of crores of rupees artifacts, to Kala Kendra or any other place outside the complex as that would render the monument ‘soul-less and attraction-less’ for the students, tourists and lovers of heritage and history. Proposed conversion of Maharani Charaki Palace into a hotel was also decried on technical grounds being against the standard norms of heritage. Immediate strengthening of embankments and other conservation measures on the circular roadside of Mubarak Mandi hillock were stressed to prevent sliding and collapse of the priceless structure. Simultaneously, the need to meticulously connect Mahamaya Hillock to Jawmant Cave Cable Car Project with Mubarak Mandi Heritage complex was stressed once again for convenience of the visitors, particularly for the tourists from outside the Union Territory. Demand for the facelift of the 118 year old DSS Bhawan under Smart City Project was also raised with one voice. It was noted with satisfaction that there was a proposal to hand over management of Balidan Stambh at Jammu to the Army. Satisfaction was also expressed over abandoning the extravagant practice of Darbar move and functioning of the secretariat at both capital cities of the UT, although some hiccups required to be removed.
Participants suggested befitting Memorial of the Martyrs at Akhnoor and Planwala also and requested officials to show due honour to ex-servicemen and their families. Percentage reservation for border area residents was desired to be appropriately raised. Revival of Jammu Festival on a grand and graceful scale by focusing on exhibition of local and folk art, culture, brotherhood and development scenario was stressed besides ensuring smooth and flawless functioning of light and sound programmes at Bagh e Bahu. Its frequent disruption was bringing bad name to the UT, the participants observed. Demand for establishing a War Memorial at the Dal Lake in Srinagar, Kashmir to honour the gallant soldiers and other martyrs was strongly asserted as they have made supreme sacrifice for defence of not only Jammu, but also Kashmir and other parts of the motherland.
The members also sought removing restrictions on passing of general public through General N C Vij Road along front of Civil Secretariat, Jammu was stressed to conveniently connect monuments, heritage buildings and places of interest for visitors and public like Gandhi Bhawan, Ranbireshwar Temple, Jambulochan Memorial, Ranbir Public Library, Government College for Women, Zanana Park (park exclusively for women) and several other institutions and trade and business hubs. Government was urged to declare the Ranbir Canal as the State Heritage to facilitate its regular maintenance and ensure unhindered irrigation to the world renowned traditional basmati rice crop of R S Pura besides other crops.
Lt Gen R K Sharma, Col Dr V K Sahi VRC (Retd) and Brig M S Jamwal demanded compensation to war widows. Raj Kumar Thapa and Sangra of Kathua District made a serious case for control of ‘monkey menace’ that was taking heavy toll of farming in Kandi areas.
Charak concluded the meeting with an assurance to all members to take up these points with concerned authorities. Others who were present in the meeting were included Prem Sagar Gupta, Chander Mohan Sharma, Kuldeep Wahi, Virender Kumar Gupta, Dr. Sant Kumar Digra, Sukhdev Singh, Raj Kumar Sagotra, Balwinder Singh, Ravi Singh, Chhankar Singh, Prem Paul Singh, Chhajju Singh Jamwal, Om Parkash Sangra, Narinder Singh Jamwal, Rajinder Gupta, Quadar Hussain and Romesh Singh Bhau.
