Omar Abdullah Highlights the Importance of Cultural Revival and Heritage Conservation in Jammu and Kashmir
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Jammu, Dec 10 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah, held a review meeting on Tuesday with the Department of Culture to focus on the revitalization of the cultural heritage and infrastructure of Jammu and Kashmir.
During his address, the Chief Minister stressed the initial vision that led to the establishment of Tehzeeb Mahal in Srinagar, highlighting its significance in supporting local artists.
“Tehzeeb Mahal should function as a venue where artists can exhibit their skills while maintaining its fundamental theme. Whenever feasible, the available space should be expanded to align with this vision,” he stated.
Omar Abdullah also instructed the department to revive the restoration of Naagar Nagar located at the base of Hari Parbat, a project that was halted ten years ago, in order to safeguard its crumbling structures.
Emphasizing the necessity for a comprehensive Cultural Policy for J&K, the Chief Minister encouraged the department to engage with stakeholders.
“Consult with stakeholders to establish a strong Cultural Policy,” he urged.
Additionally, he called for the immediate filling of vacant positions within the department to ensure smooth operations.
Earlier on, the Principal Secretary of Culture provided an extensive overview of the department's activities, showcasing its initiatives through various directorates such as Archives, Archaeology & Museums, Libraries and Research, and the Academy of Art, Culture & Languages.
The meeting reviewed the progress on several key projects, including the restoration of the Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex and archival repositories,” stated an official release.
It was reported that the digitization of archival records has been completely finished in Jammu and is halfway done in Srinagar, with six lakh records being relocated to a new facility near Kala Kendra at a cost of Rs 7.2 crore.
The meeting also set a 100-day target for the development of cultural and heritage projects in Jammu and Srinagar.
Key initiatives include launching a new archival repository, upgrading the SRS Library as part of the Smart City Project, restoring 16 heritage sites, and finalizing several library and cultural infrastructure projects.
A special presentation concerning Tehzeeb Mahal outlined its design, the revival of architectural heritage, and cultural aspects, further solidifying the government's dedication to preserving and promoting the rich legacy of Jammu and Kashmir.
