Principal Secretary Culture and Tribal Affairs Suresh Kumar Gupta, in presence of Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Ramesh Kumar, on Monday reviewed the performance of Culture and Tribal Affairs Departments here at a high-level meeting. The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioners of Jammu Division, Director Tribal Affairs, Director Archives, Archaeology and Museums, Executive Engineer, MMJHS and other officers.
At the outset, the meeting discussed implementation of the Scheme for revival, restoration, preservation and maintenance of architecture and heritage sites in Jammu and Kashmir introduced by the J&K Government in 2021. Threadbare discussion was held on the District wise heritage sites and the scope of work for the revival of heritage in each district.
The meeting was informed about the status of physical work completed and the interventions required for starting new works. The heritage sites identified or on which the restoration works are on included Sumah Temple Akhnoor; Gurudwara Sundar Singh Jammu; Thin Fort Kathua; Barood Khana at Salal Fort; Bhimgarh Fort; Bathing Ghat at Dera Baba Banda Singh Bahadurr Shrine; Repair Renovation of General Zorawar Singh Palace in Reasi; Bamuchak Temple Samba Fort; Krimchi Fort; Jaganu Fort; Ladden Kotli Fort in Udhampur, besides other heritage sites in other districts of Jammu Division.
The Div Com asked the Deputy Commissioners to submit new proposals through the respective District level Committees headed by Deputy Commissioners. Directions were issued for submitting new proposals under Phase II of the Scheme with recommendation of DLC to be sent to Director, Archives, Archaeology and Museum by June 10, 2024 positively.
It was decided that no new structure of any department/organization shall be allowed in any heritage monument. ADDC (Nodal Officer) and XEN were asked to submit a monthly progress report by 5th of month to Director AAM. District-wise issues of the Tribal Affairs Department were also discussed with the concerned deputy Commissioners for early completion of Hostels for tribal students.