JAMMU, July 30 ( KINS ): Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) J&K Executive Member Raman Suri, while hailing the Government’s decision to establish a Heritage hotel in the Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex, said that unless these buildings are not put to any use and start generating revenue, they cannot be maintained or thrown open for general public. Like many forts and havelis in Rajasthan, this Heritage complex in Jammu also needs a holistic approach wherein all its buildings need to be put to their best use.
Raman Suri regretted that those who were associated with the Heritage Society or were in Government couldn’t do much about this complex, and now, when the administration is trying to not only restore the structures but is also thinking of utilising different buildings in the complex to better use including converting one into hotel or starting museum from some halls or throwing open another for holding exhibitions, these people are criticising the government for the sake of criticism.
Raman Suri said several forts, havelis and personal heritage properties in Rajasthan have either been converted into heritage hotels or are serving the purpose of museums. Many other heritage properties have also been thrown open to film shoots as well. He added, unless we in Jammu don’t rope in private players or put these buildings in the Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex to best use, they won’t be maintained to their lost glory.
Mubarak Mandi Complex, he said, is very close to the hearts of Jammuities and everyone wants to see it develop into a mega heritage site that is worth visiting by millions every year. To make that happen, a hotel, restaurant, museum, banquets, conference halls, parks, souvenir shops, visitors galleries, amphitheatre and other such activities are required to be started here. This will not only generate revenue but also employment and will keep the property intact and alive.
Raman Suri said, those critical of government’s move must either come out with some other proposals or stay mum and see the development taking place. By merely criticising every move, they are neither doing justice to their constructive role as opposition nor are they contributing anything in maintaining the mega heritage complex. He said, this place, if best utilised, can be a happening place and become one of the biggest tourist attractions in North India. Films, slide shows, theatre workshops and everything that can maintain sanctity of the place should be encouraged in this complex to make it come alive again. ( KINS )
