Dear Editor,
The red stone palace that housed the High Court and the Public Service Commission till the recent past is now decaying, as the area has become a parking place for vehicles. The emission from the vehicles is turning the red stone into black. This heritage complex is not made for parking of cars and mini buses. The government seems to have turned a blind eye. Haphazard parking, unattended heaps of debris and wild plants grown on its walls are the perfect description of government’s neglect and nonchalant attitude towards the Dogra heritage.
The complex has become a victim of official neglect. Had the government initiated timely restoration work, many historical structures could have been protected and brought to their original shape. The complex spreads over 14 Acres of prime land in the heart of old city and is facing
neglect.
Despite running awareness campaigns on different media the citizens too have failed to come to the rescue of the heritage building and continue to spoil the surroundings. The entire compound is used as parking lot by the locals and efforts made to decongest the area have proved futile. The residents also spread litter by dumping garbage in the close vicinity of the complex.
There is a need to take immediate steps to conserve and develop the complex into its original architectural form. It’s very unfortunate that this Dogra heritage is slowly becoming a parking lot. I believe that if its glory is restored it will help in promoting tourism in the State.
Rohil Jamwal,
Panjthirthi,Jammu
