JK: Raghunath Bazaar to be heritage site

Jammu, Sep 25: Promoting tourism in winter capital of Jammu and Kashmir, the administration has planned to convert Raghunath Bazaar, situated in the heart of the city, into a heritage site by the end of this year.

The bazaar will get a new facelift befitting its traditional importance and heritage status.

''A committee farmed to execute the project, will submit its proposals within 15 days while all different departments will procure necessary construction material and other equipment for the project,'' Sudhanshu Pandey, Divisional Commissioner, Jammu said at a high level meeting here yesterday.

A multi-purpose duct would be built at Raghunath Bazar to remove overhead electric and telephone cables besides a multi-tier parking in the vicinity of Raghunath Bazaar was also finalised in the meeting.

''The shops running in Raghunath bazaar will be given a uniform colour with attractive display boards and hoardings in sync with its traditional ambience,'' Mr Pandey said asserting, ''the entrance gates of the bazaar will have aesthetically built entry points by renowned and experienced artists and architects.'' Converting Raghunath bazaar into a heritage bazaar is an aim to develop Jammu as an upcoming tourists centre and attract the pilgrims thronging Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine while projects like restoration of Mubarak Mandi Complex and Cable Car Project are also in pipeline, the Divisional Commissioner asserted.

UNI