Heritage vandalised by Private telecom company, officials pass buck

The Dogra-era architectural design of Mubarak Mandi is being changed rather vandalised by different elements of society, with the most recent one being the installation of a telecom pole in the close vicinity of the Palace Complex, while it undergoes conservation work.

While the Jammu and Kashmir Heritage Conservation and Preservation Act, 2010 defines ‘conservation’ as protection, preservation and restoration of heritage sites/areas, heritage precincts, buildings, artefacts, handicrafts, paintings, fabrics etc. and includes only such developmental activity that will enhance the heritage significance of the heritage site within the framework of this Act, the installation of a pole and laying of wires thereof by a private telecom company at the Pakki Dhakki Deodi is in no way a developmental activity that can be allowed as part of conservation.

“When enquired, the telecom company team said that they had informed Mubarak Mandi Jammu Heritage Society and concerned AEEs,” says a local resident.

Meanwhile, Deepika Sharma, Executive Director, MMJHS has denied being approached or granting permission for the said activity.

“No one is in real concerned about the palace carrying a history of more than three hundred years since 1710 AD turning into a complete ruin. A private telecom company starts erecting a pole and laying wires, while the concerned authorities had completely no knowledge of it. Isn’t this is difficult to digest? Not to forget, Poornima Sharma, Deputy Mayor is from the same constituency. Time to fix the responsibility and book the culprits,” demanded the heritage enthusiasts.

If the sources are to be believed, the matter came to the light when Raj Bhawan noticed a social media post by a citizen Journalist and sought report from the concerned quarters.

@JioCare @JioNews @reliancejio Disrespect to heritage sites #MubarikmandiJammu is not expected from you. You are installing an eyesore at heritage sites. Please remove this tower immediately.@diprjk @tourismgoi @JammuTourism @VoiceofDogras @DrJitendraSingh @KhajuriaManu pic.twitter.com/cDs4SaCpXB
— Vaibhav (@ExplorerVaibhav) February 7, 2021

In the case of Mubarak Mandi, brazen violation of the existing heritage norms is not new. Particularly for Deodis, acts of defacing of paintings on the walls, altering their original style, installation of wall mount street lights and CCTVs, construction of toilet and addition of iron gates or barricades in their vicinity, have already been highlighted and resented against.

Such illegal acts continue even after the visits to the heritage site by Baseer Khan, Advisor to LG, Nitishwar Kumar, Principal Secretary to LG, and then Manoj Sinha, LG, himself, for first-hand appraisal of status of ongoing conservation works, upsetting the heritage enthusiasts of Jammu region.

Pertinently, any sort of developmental activity affecting the Palace Complex, including the views and line of sight of or from it should be requiring permissions from the concerned authorities such as Jammu Municipal Corporation, District Commissioner Jammu, besides Jammu and Kashmir Heritage Conservation and Preservation Authority, or Mubarak Mandi Jammu Heritage Society, especially with a Master Plan for conservation of the heritage site in place since March 2019.

Mubarak Mandi, falling within the ambit of Jammu and Kashmir Ancient Monuments and Sites Preservation Act 1920 Amendment 2010 and SRO-126 dated 26-04-2005, is a Protected Monument under Directorate of Archives Archaeology & Museums, and hence the issue pertains to this department more.

The necessary action against the delinquent telecom company for wanton vandalism, however, has not been initiated till the filing of this report.

Also: Read my article at The News Now