SRINAGAR: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, today chaired the 29th meeting of the Executive Body of the Mubarak Mandi Jammu Heritage Society (MMJHS), focusing on the adaptive reuse of the restored heritage structures and creating allied infrastructure for the increasing footfall to the conserved site.
The meeting addressed the crucial agenda points concerning the ongoing conservation, adaptive reuse and development of the Mubarak Mandi Royal Palace Complex, a significant heritage site in Jammu.
Present in the meeting were Principal Secretary, Culture; Secretary, Law; Executive Director, MMJHS; MD, Cable Car Corporation and Director, Archives, Archaeology & Museums.
The Chief Secretary impressed upon the MMJHS to take proactive measures towards expeditious completion of the ongoing works, besides focusing on adaptive reuse of the structures restored till date. He observed that the heritage complex is an iconic tourism project in the heart of Jammu city, and its potential should be optimally utilised in attracting heritage lovers towards this site. He emphasized that this place should be made a culturally vibrant place as the culture and heritage are closely interlinked.
Earlier, Principal Secretary, Culture, Brij Mohan Sharma, gave an outline of the Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex (MMHC) conservation measures and the achievements made so far in this direction. He also threw light on the objectives of the department in conserving this complex and the future roadmap for its rejuvenation as a thriving tourist hub in the Jammu region.
Executive Director, MMJHS, Deepika Sharma, gave a detailed overview of the progress made on ongoing conservation works, besides the status of other infrastructure required to make this complex much more attractive for the tourists.
The meeting discussed an updated adaptive reuse plan for the Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex, developed in collaboration with INTACH. The plan proposes innovative uses for conserved structures, including museums, educational spaces, and awareness initiatives, for buildings like Raja Ram Singh Palace, Raja Amar Singh Palace, Darbar Hall and Dogra Museum.
The Executive Body deliberated on the adaptive re-use of the Old Library Building as a cafeteria, a project restored by JSCL at an allotted cost of ₹3.14 crore.
The meeting also discussed the construction of a multi-level parking facility for the complex. This facility, estimated to cost Rs 20-25 crore, will be executed by the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) with a two-year completion target. JMC has identified an area of 1517 sqm to accommodate 200-230 four-wheelers and 130-150 two-wheelers in a 4-5 storey structure.
Other important projects that were part of today’s Executive Body agenda constituted the construction of a 250-metre span bridge connecting the Circular Road with Mubarak Mandi. The project, estimated at Rs 23.50 crore, is being executed by PWD (R&B) Div Jammu East, the meeting was informed.
The progress on vertical lift from Peer Kho to Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex assigned to JKCCCL in 2021, was also discussed. Additionally, the hiring of transaction advisors for MMJHS projects would be taken up under the PPP mode.
The meeting also deliberated on expediting Phase II works for Royal Courts/Gadvai Khana/Badi Deodi, revamping Andheri Gali and surrounding areas, bolstering the in-house conservation team and addressing the security concerns due to multiple access points
The meeting concluded with directives for expedited action on pending issues and continued efforts towards comprehensive development and preservation of the Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex as a landmark tourism hub inside Jammu city.
