Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo Reviews Progress of Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex Restoration
Jammu, Dec 5: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo conducted an on-site review of the ongoing restoration and conservation work at the Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex, emphasizing the need for expediting efforts to restore the historic site to its original grandeur.
Accompanied by Principal Secretary, Culture, Suresh Kumar Gupta; Secretary, R&B; Executive Director, Mubarak Mandi Heritage Society (MMJHS), Deepika Sharma; Deputy Commissioner, Jammu, and other officials, Dulloo assessed various heritage buildings undergoing restoration.
He reviewed the adaptive reuse plans for the restored structures and urged the team to accelerate the pace of work while ensuring technical precision and the involvement of skilled professionals. Dulloo stressed that the project’s focus must be on preserving the aesthetic appeal and historic significance of the complex.
During the visit, the Chief Secretary toured the renovated Darbar Hall, which now houses the Dogra Art Museum, and explored sections like the Numismatics Gallery, Jewellery Section, Archaeology Section, and Master Sansar Chand Gallery. He also evaluated progress on structures such as Raja Ram Singh’s and Raja Amar Singh Palaces and the soon-to-be-completed Museum building.
Highlighting the importance of infrastructure development, Dulloo called for a multi-story parking facility, courtyard beautification, and visitor-friendly amenities in collaboration with INTACH. He expressed confidence in the complex becoming a premier tourist destination, facilitated by additional development under the PPP mode.
Principal Secretary, Culture, Suresh Kumar Gupta, outlined plans for adaptive reuse of conserved structures, including developing Rani Charak Mahal and Pink Hall through a PPP model. Bids have been invited for a transaction advisor to accelerate this phase.
Executive Director, MMJHS, Deepika Sharma, provided insights into the conservation project’s objectives and progress. She revealed plans to transform the restored structures into display galleries, museums, libraries, and cultural centers.
The complex, divided into six zones under a Master Plan approved in 2019, includes Public Zones, Knowledge Centres, Interpretation Galleries, Experiential Spaces, Lifestyle Zones, and a Crafts Bazaar. The project, with a budget of ₹144.15 crore, is progressing steadily, with several sub-projects already completed.
Dulloo assured that funding would not hinder the project and projected its completion within two years, turning the Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex into a landmark cultural and tourist destination in Jammu.
