Jammu : Dogra Sadar Sabha (DSS), Jammu and Kashmir, has once again raised the issue of continued indifference of the concerned government institutions towards the significance of preserving various heritage sites and historical monuments of Jammu.
President of the Sabha and former Cabinet Minister, Thakur Gulchain Singh Charak, today came down heavily upon the administration for not only permitting the defiling of the face of Bahu Fort Complex at the main entry gate, but also for allowing gross tampering of the antique ammunition store (Barod Khana) situated within the Fort Complex, to construct sheds and wash rooms, toilets, etc respectively without approval from the concerned authorities, in a highly unplanned and unethical manner. He said that such alterations at the main entry gate of the historical and religiously-culturally important Bahu Fort, in fact amount to an act of sacrilege. Shri Charak alleged that the work was being executed without any authorization, in violation of the Jammu and Kashmir Ancient Monument Preservation Act, 1920, read with subsequent amendments, including the Jammu and Kashmir Ancient Monument Preservation (Amendment) Act, 2010.
Shri Charak also condemned the recent vandalization of Shiv Temple in Reasi district at Dharmari in very strong words and said that the enemies of the country do not want the prevailing peace to continue in the region. He urged upon all the people of the Union Territory to stand united and repulse the nefarious designs of anti-national and anti social elements with firm resolve.
Shri Charak, along with the executive committee members of the DSS, was addressing a hurriedly called press conference here at the Sabha Bhawan today. He appealed to the government to take stern legal action against the violators of established norms, rules and Acts to prevent encroachments and sacrilege of various Dogra heritage sites and monuments, which has been brought to the notice of the government from time to time.
Referring to the relevant sections of J&K Ancient Monument Preservation Act, 1920, specifically invoking Section 10-A(5), Shri Charak specifically urged upon the district administration to immediately remove unauthorized structures from the Bahu Fort site and provide alternate arrangement to the security and police personals who are on duty there, and impressed upon the authorities, including the Senior Superintendent of Police and other concerned bodies, to act swiftly and decisively to protect this precious cultural and religious heritage of Jammu and Kashmir and the Dogras. He explained that the regulations of J&K Ancient Monuments Preservation Act clearly stipulate that no construction or alteration can be undertaken within a 100 meters of the monument site without appropriate permissions, but the construction in question here, within the prohibited area, not only disregards the legal provisions but also disrespects the cultural and historical significance of the Bahu Fort and the Temple Complex, that are so dear and revered by the people of Jammu. He said that it is clearly an encroachment which threatens the integrity and sanctity of this heritage site, safeguarded under SRO No. 281 of 1986.
Shri Charak emphasised that the DSS is not averse to the fulfilment of basic civic amenities for the security forces and staff deployed for safety, service. He stressed that such facilities should be provided by careful selection of site and designed in a manner that is compatible with existing architecture and ensures protection of the monument. He said that the administration must, in any case, ensure compliance with the laws designed to preserve these invaluable monuments.
The DSS was highly critical of the sanitary conditions prevailing within the Bahu Fort and Temple Complex and referred to unhygienic disposal of flowers, etc. which was being pointed out by the pilgrims from within and outside the UT also. Shri Charak said that the Departments of Tourism, Health and Culture must sensitise the Management of the Complex about the guidelines to be followed for sanitation and waste disposal and ensure strict implementation of these at this sacred place in public interest.
Further, Shri Charak emphasised upon the government and the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha to constitute a high level team of experts with statutory powers to oversee the status of all heritage sites and monuments and recommend steps for their upkeep, improvements and implementation. He regretted that a large number of heritage structures and monuments in various parts of Jammu region are languishing because of neglect and poor upkeep by concerned agencies and encroachments of various kinds.
Thakur Gulchain Singh Charak took a strong dig at the neighbouring country Pakistan for aiding and abetting terrorism in J&K and asked the government, as well as the common people, to remain vigilant against anti-national elements who are continuing to make all attempts to disrupt communal harmony and peace in the region. He appreciated the swift follow up action of DC Reasi and SSP Reasi in the case of heinous vandalisation of Shiv Temple at Dharmari and hoped that the culprits will be caught and punished soon, so that such menace doesn’t spread to other areas.
Those who attended the press conference included Col. Karan Singh, Gambhir Dev Singh, ChankarSingh and Vidya Sagar Sharma.