Says conservation efforts must retain aesthetic, historic values
STATE TIMES NEWS
SRINAGAR: Emphasising on promoting the culture of Jammu and Kashmir among the people of other states and vice versa, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday called for organising cultural exchange programmes of artists with other states and UTs, furthering the ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ movement.
Chairing a meeting to review the action plan for effective implementation of the scheme for ‘Revival, Restoration, Preservation and Maintenance of Ancient Cultural Heritage’ in the Union Territory, the Lieutenant Governor stressed on welfare measures for the local artists and asked the department to make dedicated efforts for the handholding of artists.
He advised the Department of Culture to rope in seasoned and experienced master artists from J&K to train the young artists.
Referring to the scheme, envisaged to identify the sacred places and heritage sites requiring intervention, carrying out their revival, restoration or renovation work, ensuring protection and longevity of these places, besides promoting restoration wherever damage has occurred to these places, the Lt Governor directed the Culture Department to adopt value-based conservation with the help of experts. The department should also ensure transparency and effective onsite monitoring of the projects, he added.
Sinha asserted that the conservation efforts must retain the aesthetic, historic and social values of our great civilizational and cultural legacy.
“Identify shrines, places having historical, cultural, religious significance and work should follow value-based methodologies and integrated approach to conservation. Take up the projects that reflect the representations of every community and every sect”, said the Lt Governor.
While reviewing the division and category wise details of the 35 projects (18 in Jammu & 17 in Kashmir) approved by the Executive Committee, including Temples, Shrines, Gurudwaras, Forts, Church, Sculptures and Bowli, the Lt Governor directed the department for early start of the work on the projects already approved.
He also advised the department to put focus on developing digital libraries to promote intangible heritage and knowledge heritage.
He asked the department to send proposals of some potential projects to the Government of India that can be included in the existing schemes and programmes of the central government.
He further asked the department to take up the issue with the Culture department, Government of India for speedy execution of conservation and restoration of Shergarhi in Kashmir and Mubarak Mandi in Jammu, which is the symbol of our great architectural heritage.
The department was also advised to spread information regarding the places of tourists’ interest in the UT through booklets at airports.
Zubair Ahmad, Administrative Secretary, Culture Department gave a detailed presentation on the initiative of revival, restoration, preservation and maintenance of architecture and heritage in the UT. He also informed about the Cultural festivals to be held at Tourist destinations, besides talent hunt programmes planned at grassroot level.
Dr Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary; Nitishwar Kumar, Principal Secretary to Lt Governor; Sarmad Hafeez, Secretary to the Government, Tourism Department; Pardeep Kumar, Director, Archives, Archaeology & Museums and other senior officials attended the meeting at Raj Bhawan.