JAMMU, DECEMBER 10: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah chaired a review meeting of the Department of Culture at the Civil Secretariat, with a primary focus on revitalizing Jammu and Kashmir’s cultural heritage and strengthening its infrastructure.
In his address, the Chief Minister emphasized the importance of Tehzeeb Mahal in Srinagar, underscoring its role as a space for promoting local artists. He reaffirmed the original vision behind the conceptualization of Tehzeeb Mahal, stating, “Tehzeeb Mahal should not only serve as a platform for artists to showcase their talents but also preserve its core cultural theme. Wherever possible, the available space should be expanded to align with this vision.”
Omar Abdullah also directed the department to revive the restoration project of Naagar Nagar at the foothills of Hari Parbat, a project that had been halted a decade ago, to prevent further deterioration of the historic site.
The Chief Minister further emphasized the need for a comprehensive Cultural Policy for Jammu and Kashmir, calling on the department to engage with all relevant stakeholders to formulate a robust policy. “Engage with stakeholders to formalize a cultural policy that is inclusive and addresses the region’s cultural needs,” he said.
In addition, he stressed the importance of filling the vacant positions within the department to ensure smooth operations and efficient implementation of cultural projects.
Earlier, Principal Secretary Culture, Suresh Gupta, provided a detailed overview of the department’s initiatives, highlighting the work being done by its directorates, including Archives, Archaeology & Museums, Libraries and Research, and the Academy of Art, Culture & Languages. The meeting reviewed the progress of key projects such as the restoration of the Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex and the development of archival repositories.
The meeting was informed that the digitization of archival records has been completed in Jammu and is 50% complete in Srinagar. Additionally, six lakh records have been relocated to a new facility near Kala Kendra at a cost of Rs 7.2 crore.
The meeting also discussed the 100-day target for cultural and heritage development in Jammu and Srinagar. Key initiatives include the operationalization of a new archival repository, the modernization of the SRS Library under the Smart City Project, the restoration of 16 heritage sites, and the completion of various library and cultural infrastructure projects.
A special presentation on Tehzeeb Mahal outlined its design, architectural heritage revival, and cultural elements, further underscoring the government’s commitment to preserving and promoting the rich cultural legacy of Jammu and Kashmir.