Centre gives Rs 43 cr for renovation of Jammu's Mubarak Mandi

Srinagar, Sep 10 (UNI) The Centre has sanctioned Rs 43 crore to Jammu and Kashmir for renovation and development of the 200-year-old historic Mubarak Mandi complex in the winter capital of the state which had suffered extensive damage due to the recent heavy rains.

An official spokesman said today that the first installment of Rs 3 crore would be released in the first year of the project submitted by the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department followed by Rs 5 crore during the subsequent years.

Union Tourism Minister Ambika Soni assured this to Jammu and Kashmir Roads and Buildings Minister, Gulchain Singh Charak who called on her in New Delhi yesterday.

Mr Charak urged her to provide adequate financial support to the state government to preserve and restore the glory of the historic complex.

The Jammu and Kashmir government had constituted a Committee, headed by Mr Charak, to chalk out the future strategy for carrying out preservation and restoration works of the monument.

The Divisional Commissioner and the Deputy Commissioner, Jammu, and the Director of Archives and Museum are its members.

Ms Soni assured Mr Charak of all central assistance.

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