Jammu, Dec 11:
Stressing on the importance of preserving heritage for younger generation, Advisor to Governor . Khurshid Ahmed Ganai today said that heritage sites are depository of values and status of civilization. He was speaking here at a meeting convened to discuss the conservation and adaptive re-use of Mubarak Mandi heritage Complex. The meeting was attended by Commissioner/Secretary, Culture Department, . Mohammad Saleem Shishgar, Secretary Tourism Ringzin Samphel, Managing Director JKPCC M Raju, Director Archives, Archaeology and Museums, . Munir-ul-Islam, Director Tourism Jammu O P Bhagat, Director Tourism Kashmir Nisar Ahmed Wani, Executive Director, Mubarak Mandi Jammu Heritage Society, Deepika Sharma, representatives of Sanrakshan Heritage consultants and other officials. Munish Pandit, director Sanrakshan Heritage consultants gave a detailed power point presentation regarding the measures under implementation for restoration of the heritage Complex. The Advisor Ganai stressed that outcome of the exercise is to portray the long legacy and layers of cultural heritage of Jammu and Kashmir so that it can be promoted as an attraction for tourists and art lovers alike. The Advisor Ganai also said that the Mubarak Mandi Heritage complex provides opportunity to craftsperson of all regions of state to portray their art and craft to visitors at one place. The meeting was informed that work is going on in to turn the Mubarak Mandi as a cultural center with an aim to capture memory, revive traditions, revealing histories, reinforcing community identity. Under the ongoing new project, the re-use of Mubarak Mandi Heritage complex revolves around six identified zones including Mandi, Knowledge centre, interpretation and collection galleries, life style, experiential spaces and crafts center. He stressed on the need to execute the restoration work in consonance with heritage norms and as per the laid down specifications for such work. Meanwhile, the meeting was informed about the redevelopment of connecting street and façade up gradation from Chowk Chabutara to Mubarak Mandi and Panjithirthi to Mubarak Mandi besides development of parking at Paanjitirthi and Peer Kho.
