STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: Member Governing Body and former Vice Chairman Jammu Mubarak Mandi Heritage Society, Gulchain Singh Charak, expressed concern over the slow pace of restoration and conservation of Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex and other Dogra heritages in the State which are being spoiled without proper conservation, restoration and care. Charak, former Minister and President Dogra Sadar Sabha, while talking to reporters here on Thursday, said that the Mubarak Mandi complex located at the crown of this ancient town is not only a historical monument of archeological value to attract the curious tourists, it denotes the very pride of Dogras and symbolises the great culture of secular love lore.
“The most precious heritage Mubarak Mandi complex is dilapidated in bad shape and the precious historical buildings and other monuments are being destroyed in a planned manner by ravages of apathy and indifference by an insensitive political leadership and equally defunct administrative machinery too busy in their self centered attitude,” he said.
The entire agenda could not be discussed in the recent meeting of the Governing Body, hence another meeting of Governing Body is required with proper preparation and the responsibilities for the lapses fixed, he said.
He offered suggestions for immediate action for works to be done on priority which include immediate stoppage the seepage in the palaces to save from further damage, temporary supports, restoration and reconstruction of Maharani Charaki and other palaces/buildings, immediate strengthening of slopes on the backside, constitute enquiry committee about the ruin of Darbar-e-Aam, immediate repair of the museum building, clean the whole complex, shift the archives in the old information building after giving proper treatment against termites, strictly stop all kind of parking in the complex etc.
He also wanted the white paper prepared about the happenings and occurrences in the complex so far, before re-starting the work under the new chairperson.
He also demanded for constituting of sub-committee for physical verification of archives, Tosha-Khana, library and museum and also to check the inventories, reviving of technical committee for efficacy and functional output and conducting of election for the Vice-Chairman of Governing Body.
He strongly recommended that the restoration work be undertaken on war footing without any further loss of time.
Maj. Gen G. S Jamwal (Retd.)-Member Governing Body JMMHS, Prof N. K Dogra-Sr. V/C President DSS, Col. K. S Jamwal (Retd.)- V/C DSS, Brig. M. S Jamwal (Retd.), Gambhir Dev Singh- I/C Youth wing DSS and Dr. Col Virendra K Sahi (Retd.)- Media Cell DSS were also present.
