Mubarak Mandi heritage complex: Congress seeks white paper after Gadadhar temple damage

The Jammu and Kashmir Congress has raised concerns over alleged damage to the historic Gadadhar temple at the Mubarak Mandi heritage complex in Jammu. Party leader Raman Bhalla attributed the damage to negligent excavation and violations of protected monument norms. The Congress has demanded a white paper on restoration spending, agencies, planning, and accountability.

The Congress on Saturday flagged alleged damage to the historic Gadadhar temple inside the Mubarak Mandi heritage complex in Jammu. The party said the issue affected Dogra community sentiments. Congress leaders accused the BJP and RSS of staying silent even after local concerns. The party also demanded full disclosure on the complex’s restoration and redevelopment work.

A Congress delegation met Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha at Lok Bhawan and handed over a memorandum. The note listed concerns about the Mubarak Mandi heritage project and the reported damage to Gadadhar Temple. The party said Sinha told the delegation that Manoj Sinha would visit the Mubarak Mandi complex on Monday to inspect the site.

Congress seeks white paper on Mubarak Mandi heritage complex

Seeking transparency, the Congress asked for a white paper on the restoration and redevelopment of the Mubarak Mandi heritage complex. The party said the document should list expenditure details, the agencies handling the work, future plans, and fixed responsibility. Congress leaders said this was needed to ensure accountability for decisions taken at the site.

Jammu and Kashmir Congress Working President Raman Bhalla said the centuries-old temple suffered due to poor handling. Bhalla said the damage resulted from negligence and unprofessional work. Bhalla also blamed extensive excavation, and said it violated rules for protected monuments. Bhalla said the work around the site showed weak oversight and poor execution.

Gadadhar temple damage linked to excavation at Mubarak Mandi heritage complex

Bhalla also referred to deep excavation near the over 200-year-old temple and nearby heritage structures. Bhalla alleged the digging showed poor planning and recklessness. Bhalla said this activity increased risks for old buildings within the complex. Congress leaders linked the reported temple damage to how the work was carried out.

Bhalla raised concern about the reported demolition of a historic chabutra at the complex. Bhalla said the chabutra symbolised the Lok Adalat system during the Dogra regime. Bhalla also said that, even two days after the incident, RSS and BJP leaders did not address concerns raised by locals and devotees.

Local disruption claims tied to Mubarak Mandi heritage complex works

The Congress claimed the restoration and redevelopment activities caused major disruption for residents near the Mubarak Mandi complex. The party cited issues with transport connectivity, water supply, and sewerage. Congress leaders said these problems affected daily life while work continued. The party said planning should have reduced public inconvenience during the project.

The party also alleged spending on a renovated building meant for the Heritage Societys office. Congress leaders said the structure was later demolished to create space for a parking facility. The Congress said this raised questions about how funds were used. The party repeated its demand for a white paper covering spending so far.

Congress leaders said the concerns would remain until authorities clarified the project plan and checks. The party said the Gadadhar temple and other heritage structures needed careful handling. Congress leaders also said public transparency was necessary for trust. The Congress said it would await Manoj Sinha’s Monday site inspection at Mubarak Mandi.

With inputs from PTI