JAMMU, December 5, 2024 – Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo visited the Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex to assess the ongoing conservation and restoration work aimed at transforming the site into a major tourist attraction. The Chief Secretary was accompanied by Suresh Kumar Gupta, Principal Secretary, Culture Secretary, R&B; Deepika Sharma, Executive Director, Mubarak Mandi Heritage Society; Deputy Commissioner Jammu and other key officers.
During the visit, Chief Secretary Dulloo toured various heritage buildings within the complex and reviewed the progress of restoration efforts. He took particular interest in the future plans of the Mubarak Mandi Heritage Society, focusing on the adaptive reuse of these historic structures once they are restored. He emphasised the need for speeding up the restoration work, urging the Society to complete the projects within the shortest possible time frame. “Restoring heritage sites is a technical and highly specialized task that requires meticulous planning and professional expertise,” he noted.
Dulloo stressed that the restoration efforts should not only focus on structural integrity but also aim to preserve the aesthetic appeal of the complex, reflecting its past glory. He visited the renovated Darbar Hall, now hosting the Dogra Art Museum, and explored its various sections, including the Numismatics Gallery, Jewellery Section, Archaeology Section, and the Master Sansarch Gallery, which displays a historical collection of artifacts.
The Chief Secretary also reviewed the progress of restoration work in other key structures, including the Raja Ram Singh and Raja Amar Singh Palaces, as well as the Museum building, which is nearing completion and will showcase a range of historically significant antiquities. He further assessed the need for a multi-story parking facility to accommodate visitors and facilitate smoother access to the heritage site. He also discussed the beautification of the courtyard and the creation of additional amenities, in consultation with INTACH, to enhance the visitor experience.
The Chief Secretary expressed confidence that with continued progress, the Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex would soon become one of Jammu’s most prominent tourist destinations. He emphasised that there is no shortage of funding for the project and expressed hope that all restoration, conservation, and protection works would be completed within the next two years.
Principal Secretary, Culture, Suresh Kumar Gupta shared details about the future plans for the adaptive reuse of the conserved structures. He announced that several grand buildings behind the complex, including the Rani Charak Mahal and Pink Hall, will be developed throughPublic-Private Partnership (PPP) mode. The department has already invited bids to hire a transaction advisor for the project, with work expected to begin soon.
Executive Director of MMJHS, Deepika Sharma, provided an overview of the Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex conservation efforts. She outlined the objectives of the project, highlighting the work completed so far and detailing the future plans for using different sections of the complex as galleries, museums, libraries, and cultural centers.
The vision for the complex began with a conservation document prepared by INTACH in 2008, followed by a comprehensive master plan approved in 2019. The plan divides the complex into six zones: Public Zone, Knowledge Centre, Interpretation & Collection Galleries, Lifestyle, Experiential Spaces, and Crafts Bazaar. The total estimated cost for the restoration and development of the complex under this master plan is Rs 144.15 crore. Work on several sub-projects has already been completed, and efforts are ongoing to ensure the timely completion of the remaining tasks.
With its rich historical and cultural significance, the Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex is poised to become a landmark destination in Jammu, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the region’s heritage while contributing to its tourism and cultural development.