CM inspects Mubarak Mandi restoration, stresses on enhancing its heritage appeal

* Meets several deputations

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, July 17: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today reviewed the ongoing restoration and development of the historic Mubarak Mandi Complex here.
Accompanied by Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani and MLA Yudhvir Sethi, the Chief Minister visited the site and received a detailed briefing on the multi-phase project aimed at reviving the architectural grandeur of the former Dogra royal palace.
Principal Secretary Culture, Brij Mohan Sharma, provided an overview of the project’s implementation, while Executive Director of the Mubarak Mandi Heritage Society, Deepika Sharma, gave a presentation outlining its various components.
The briefing gave details of how each zone will depict a distinct cultural theme. Under the Jammu Smart City Mission, some innovative initiatives such as a library-cum-café in the complex would be available for the public within a historic setting.
Key infrastructure proposals, including a span bridge and lift installations, were also discussed to improve accessibility and to augment visitors’ experience. Officers informed the Chief Minister that most structures are recoverable and are being systematically restored to their original splendour.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah emphasised key priorities for the project’s vision. He said the central courtyard area should be developed as a priority for public attraction and must look welcoming for visitors, highlighting the need for an entrance reflecting its true heritage character.
He urged the timely completion of ongoing works, stating that pending projects must be completed as early as possible to give meaningful purpose to the project. In a call for cultural revival, he added that Dogra crafts must be promoted through events and planned activities in the complex.
During the interaction, the Chief Minister also reviewed operational challenges and future requirements to ensure the project addresses both immediate restoration goals and long-term sustainability.
Senior officers, including the Joint Commissioner JMC (also Additional CEO Jammu Smart City), Subah Mehta, Superintending Engineer Public Works Department Ashwani Kangotra and others concerned, were also present.
Meanwhile, several deputations and individuals called on Chief Minister at the Public Outreach Office, Raabita, here and apprised him of various issues, grievances and sector-specific demands.
Kavita Shirvaikar, Managing Director of Patel Engineering Ltd., along Deputy General Manager and Project In-charge of the Parnai Hydro Electric Project, discussed key issues pertaining to the implementation and progress of the hydroelectric project in Jammu and Kashmir.
Sanjay Aggarwal, Chairperson of the Federation of Automobile Dealers Association (FADA), Jammu, led a delegation conveyed sector-specific recommendations aimed at strengthening the automobile industry in the region.
In recognition of outstanding sports achievements, Satwik Luthra, who secured silver medals in both the Khelo India Games held in Patna (May 2025) and the National Games in Himachal Pradesh (December 2024), was warmly acknowledged for bringing laurels to Jammu and Kashmir in the field of weightlifting.
Dr. Harpreet Singh, Principal of Jammu Sanskriti School, met the Chief Minister to felicitate the Children with Special Needs (CWSN) achievers who excelled in Volleyball and Badminton at the Special Olympics Bharat’s National Unified Sports Meet held at IIT Gandhinagar.
Rakesh Sharma, President, Confederation of Industries & Commerce J&K, and Member of the National Council of CPI, called on the Chief Minister along with other representatives to raise pressing issues being faced by entrepreneurs and the industrial sector in the region.
Dr. Surinder Kumar Atri, Principal of Government Medical College, Kathua, apprised the Chief Minister about various academic and infrastructural challenges at the college and sought Government intervention for redressal.
Kamal Gupta, Chairman of the J&K Private School Association, along with senior representatives, discussed challenges confronting unaided private schools and emphasized the need for policy support to sustain quality education.
A delegation of Pashmina Goat Project, met the Chief Minister to discuss further developmental opportunities under the initiative.
A delegation of Xtreme Adventures briefed the Chief Minister on the potential and revival strategies for adventure tourism in Jammu region, stressing its role in employment generation and youth engagement.
A group of NSS Volunteers who represented Jammu and Kashmir at the prestigious NSS Republic Day Parade Camp in New Delhi on the occasion of the 76th Republic Day also called on the Chief Minister to share their experiences and achievements.
Former Minister Ajay Sadhotra also met the Chief Minister and held a brief interaction.

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