Kulgam: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Sunday laid the foundation stone for the restoration of the historic Dharamshala at Mata Kantiyani Bhagwati Asthapan in Kakran village of Kulgam district.
The restoration project, to be executed by the Public Works Department (Roads and Buildings) Division, D.H. Pora, has been sanctioned at an estimated cost of ₹2.84 crore.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Secretary said the project would help preserve the site’s religious, cultural and historical significance while improving facilities for pilgrims and visitors. He said heritage conservation and strengthening public infrastructure were important for promoting religious tourism and supporting the region’s socio-economic development.
Dulloo also stressed the need for completing the project on time while maintaining quality standards and preserving the heritage character of the structure.
During the visit, the Chief Secretary interacted with members of the Kashmiri Pandit community.
Deputy Commissioner Kulgam Shahzad Alam briefed the Chief Secretary on the proposed restoration works and the district administration’s efforts to conserve heritage assets and improve civic infrastructure. Director, Archives, Archaeology and Museums Kuldeep Krishan Sidha highlighted the historical and cultural significance of the Dharamshala.
Senior Superintendent of Police Kulgam Anayat Ali Choudhary, Additional District Development Commissioner Altaf Ahmad Khan, Assistant Commissioner Development, Executive Engineer, Public Works Department (Roads and Buildings) Division D.H. Pora, other district officers, representatives of the Kashmiri Pandit community and officials attended the programme.
