Rs 53 crore for 'restoration' of historical Mubarak Mandi complex

Jammu, Jun 24 (UNI) The Union Tourism Ministry has sanctioned Rs 53 crore financial assistance for ''restoration'' work of the historical Mubarak Mandi Complex situated in the heart of the winter capital of Jammu and Kashmir.

Jammu and Kashmir minister for higher education, Gulchain Singh Charak said the centre has accepted the proposal to develop the historic Mubarak Mandi Complex as a socio-cultural heritage centre.

The minister said the Union Minister for Tourism Ambika Soni would launch modernisation work of the dogra heritage complex on July 5.

''The state government has entrusted the job for reviving the pristine glory of the complex to four leading institutions of the country including Archaeological Survey of India, Indian National Trust for Art, Culture and Heritage (INTACH), National Museum, New Delhi and Geological Survey of India,'' Mr Charak said at a press meet here yesterday.

''During my meeting with the Union Minister, I requested her to formulate a comprehensive project for ensuring development and conversion of this Dogra heritage palace into social-cultural heritage centre to attract maximum tourists,'' Mr Charak said.

However, Mr Charak said historical records which were taken out from the basement record rooms of the archives department were shifted to old High Court building for proper preservation.

''For the protection of old buildings, the safety measures are being taken and Geological Survey of India is taking steps for geo-tech studies of the slopes so as to take effective steps to safeguard the buildings and slopes,'' the minister added.

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