JAMMU: Expressing concern over the slow pace of work on prestigious Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex, Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today issued directions for time-bound implementation of the conservation project to bring back it's pristine glory.
The Chief Minister directed the Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, to finalize the preparatory action for a time-bound implementation of the restoration project and also submit an Action Taken Report by August 1.
Sayeed was chairing the governing body meeting of Mubarak Mandi Heritage Society (MMHS) in which wide-ranging decisions were taken to restore the splendour of Dogra heritage.
Deputy Chief Minister Dr Nirmal Singh, Minister for Finance and Culture Haseeb A Drabu, Education Minister Naeem Akhtar, Minister of State for Culture and Information Priya Sethi, and other officials and nominated members of the society participated in the meeting.
The chief minister also issued directions to identify agencies having relevant expertise in conservation of heritage sites to work on the project on a fast-track basis.
The Chief Minister observed that given the technical knowhow of Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), the agency should be actively involved in the conservation of the historic cluster of heritage buildings.
Calling for better synergy between various agencies involved in restoration works, Sayeed laid stress on emulating best practices in conservation of heritage sites.
He also issued directions for expediting work on Darbar Hall and Royal Court premises.
Sayeed also suggested rationalizing and augmenting parking areas so that the outer premises of the Complex are spruced up by the Floriculture Department. "While landscaping the Complex campus, special care should be taken to protect the Coronation Site (Raj Tilak) in the Central Park of the Complex," he said.