To safeguard heritage sites from threats posed by natural disasters like floods and earthquake, Chief Minister Mufti Sayeed on Tuesday called for preservation of Kashmir’s heritage sites.
“The state government will do whatever is possible to conserve our heritage monuments and restore these sites to their original glory so that the historical sites can be integrated into our tourist circuit as destination sites for heritage lovers,” said Mufti. The CM was speaking while addressing the gathering followed by a presentation given by J&K Chapter of Indian National Trust for Art & Cultural Heritage (INTACH) in Srinagar.
The CM mentioned that river cruises will be started on May 12 from Peerzoo Restaurant which will take tourists to heritage destinations like LD Memorial, Khanqah-e-Moula, Maharaj Gung and the Shrine of Hazrat Bul Bul Shah (RA). He also passed directions for restoration of the Old Assembly Complex and development of Artisan Cluster at Safa Kadal in the first phase.
Describing Old Assembly Complex as a huge treasure trove that the state possesses, Mufti asked INTACH to begin mapping of its restoration so that its conservation and preservation is taken up on priority. “The Old Assembly had a Durbar Hall akin to the House of Commons in Britain and it had one of the finest galleries of exquisite art works in the State,” he asserted while stressing on the need for revival of the Old Assembly Complex.
During the meeting, INTACH consultants also briefed Mufti about the initiatives taken for renovation and restoration of revered Dastageer Sahab (RA) Shrine at Khanyar and the Aali Kadal Masjid at Eidgah, besides revival of three key areas along the Jhelum Riverfront from Zero Bridge to Srinagar Club, Shergarhi Palace Complex and Safa Kadal Artisan Cluster.
