DC Kathua chairs meeting of District Committee for Restoration of Architectural & Heritage sites

Approves Phase-II restoration plan for Mata Chanchalo Devi fort, Basohli, Gurudwara Charan Kamal, Bakhta

 KATHUA, February 17:  Deputy Commissioner, Kathua Rahul Pandey today chaired a meeting of District Level Coordination-cum-Implementation Committee (DLCIC) for the revival/ restoration/conservation/ Preservation and Maintenance of architectural and heritage sites of the district.

At the outset, Assistant Director, Archives, Archaeology and Museums, Dr Sangeeta Sharma, who joined the meeting virtually,  briefed about the progress made under the scheme so far in district Kathua.

The meeting held threadbare discussion on the status of renovation and restoration works on already identified architectural and heritage sites including Mata Chanchalo Devi Fort at Basohli, Thein Fort, Jasmergarh Fort at Jandi Hiranagar, Jagannath and Hanuman Temples near Jasrota fort. The DC gave a slew of directions to concerned stakeholders regarding different works.

 The DC emphasised on the need for maintaining close coordination among the concerned departments/ executing agencies to restore the original character and sanctity of the sites and shrines so as to preserve their pristine glory. 

 The meeting also discussed and approved the Phase-II restoration plan for Mata Chanchalo Devi Fort at Basohli besides taking up restoration work for Gurudwara Charan Kamal in Bakhta as other sites of religious significance.

The DC directed the XEN PWD Basohli to go ahead with the tendering process as per the DPR for restoration of Mata Chanchalo Devi Fort at Basohli which has been approved.

The DC also assured full cooperation from district administration in the execution of the scheme in the district and said that a multi-dimensional approach is needed for the revival of these sites as mandated in the scheme.

 Pertinently, the district administration has identified a number of sites of historical and cultural importance under the scheme “Revival, Restoration, Preservation & Maintenance of Architectural & Heritage sites”

The meeting was attended by ADC Billawar, ADC Basohli, Chief Planning Officer, XEN PWD Kathua, XEN PWD Basohli, CEO and other concerned Officers.