Jammu: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday visited the historic Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex here and reviewed the progress of ongoing conservation and restoration works, including repair efforts at the centuries-old Gadadhar Ji Temple, a portion of whose wall recently collapsed.
Accompanied by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo and other senior officials, the Lieutenant Governor inspected various heritage structures undergoing restoration and took stock of works being executed under the comprehensive revival plan for the iconic Dogra-era complex.
The visit comes days after a portion of the wall and an adjoining slab of the nearly 200-year-old Gadadhar Ji Temple, located adjacent to the heritage complex, collapsed following rainfall. The incident had triggered concerns among local residents, some of whom linked the damage to excavation work being carried out nearby as part of the construction of a multi-level parking facility.
During the inspection, Sinha directed officials to expedite restoration works while maintaining the quality and authenticity of conservation efforts. He also reviewed the ongoing repair work at the temple and sought details about measures being taken to safeguard heritage structures in the vicinity.
Speaking to reporters, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo said repair work at the temple had already begun and was expected to be completed within a few days.
“Since there was a pressing need for parking in the area, a parking facility is being constructed by Smart City Limited. During the course of this work, a slab adjoining the temple collapsed. Repair work has already started and is progressing,” he said.
Dulloo said the proposed parking facility is designed to accommodate at least 200 vehicles and would significantly improve infrastructure around the heritage complex.
The Lieutenant Governor was also briefed on the progress of the ramp-based multi-level parking project and other works being undertaken under the Mubarak Mandi conservation master plan.
Officials informed him that restoration and conservation work is currently underway on 11 buildings within the sprawling heritage complex. According to Dulloo, nine to ten of these projects have already achieved around 80 to 90 per cent completion and are expected to be completed by March 2027.
Among the major projects under execution are the conservation of the Darbar Hall, Raja Ram Singh Palace, Raja Amar Singh Palace and the Dogra Art Museum, besides several ancillary restoration works.
During the visit, Sinha also toured the newly opened library-cum-cafeteria developed as part of the heritage revitalisation programme. Officials briefed him about the remaining works planned under the project and future initiatives aimed at enhancing visitor experience.
Dulloo said five additional projects are also being planned, including a laser show, light-and-sound show and other visitor facilities intended to transform the complex into a major cultural and tourism destination.
Located in the heart of Jammu’s old city overlooking the Tawi River, Mubarak Mandi served as the royal residence of the Dogra rulers until 1925, when Maharaja Hari Singh shifted to Hari Niwas Palace.
Declared a protected monument in 2005, the heritage complex is being restored under the supervision of the Mubarak Mandi Jammu Heritage Society (MMJHS). A conservation vision document was first prepared by the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) in 2008, while a comprehensive master plan received approval in 2019.
The master plan envisages the development of the heritage complex across six thematic zones, including public spaces, knowledge centres, galleries, experiential spaces and a crafts bazaar. An estimated Rs 144.15 crore has been earmarked for various sub-projects under the plan.
Dulloo attributed delays in the project to inadequate funding in earlier years but said the pace of work had increased considerably over the past four to five years with improved financial support.
“Some restoration work was carried out by the Archaeological Survey authorities, while the Mubarak Mandi Heritage Society has also undertaken several projects and delivered good results,” he said.
He added that facilities such as a restaurant, café and library have already been developed as part of the restoration programme and assured that further conservation work would be undertaken wherever necessary to preserve the heritage character of the complex.
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