‘Doda admin to explore means for protection of heritage sites at Mohalla’

DC conducts on-site inspection of sacred landmarks

DODA, DECEMBER 05: Deputy Commissioner Doda Harvinder Singh visited the Pandavas Heritage Rock Art Site at Shiva Dal and the Ek Mukhi Shiv Mandir in Mohalla to assess the preservation requirements of the historical sites.

The President of the Ek Mukhi Shiv Mandir Samiti Seva Ram Parihar accompanied the DC during the visit. He briefed the DC on the temple’s religious importance and the heritage site’s deep cultural roots. DC Doda emphasized the need for conservation initiatives and assured that necessary steps would be taken under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) schemes and heritage conservation funds to protect these sacred landmarks.

Later, the DC also inspected the progress of work on the five new rooms at Govt. Higher Secondary School (HSS) Mohalla being constructed under the Samagra Shiksha program. He interacted with local residents, who raised concerns about the shrinking playground area due to the new construction. Addressing their concerns, he assured them that feasible solutions would be explored to balance infrastructure development with the needs of students and the community.

The Deputy Commissioner further reviewed the proposed site for the new Tehsil office complex in Mohalla, which is planned on two kanal land donated by a local resident. He inspected the ongoing site development and directed officials to ensure timely completion while maintaining quality standards.

DC Doda reiterated the administration’s commitment to heritage conservation and infrastructural development, aiming to enhance public facilities while preserving the cultural identity of the region. He also assured that the Department of Archives, Archaeology & Museums, J&K Government, would be approached to allocate archaeological conservation funds for the restoration and preservation of the Pandavas Heritage Site and Ek Mukhi Shiv Mandir, ensuring that these invaluable cultural landmarks receive the necessary support for their upkeep and protection.