Divisional Commissioner Reviews Mubarak Mandi Restoration: Focus on Infrastructure, Conservation, and Heritage Revival
Jammu:In a comprehensive review meeting held at Jammu, Divisional Commissioner Ramesh Kumar assessed the ongoing development and restoration projects at the Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex—a landmark symbol of Dogra heritage and one of Jammu’s most important cultural assets. The meeting brought together top officials, including the Commissioner of Jammu Municipal Corporation, Executive Director of the Mubarak Mandi Jammu Heritage Society (MMJHS), Director Archives, SSP Jammu, Chief Engineer of PWD (R&B), SE PWD, and representatives from the National Highways Logistics Management Limited (NHLML) and the J&K Cable Car Corporation Ltd.
Focus Areas of Review
The Divisional Commissioner sought detailed status reports on several key components of the redevelopment initiative:
1. Multilevel Parking Facility:
The project aims to address the chronic parking issues around the heritage complex, which has been a major hurdle for visitors and tourists. The facility is expected to streamline vehicular movement and improve accessibility to the historic site.
2. Vertical Lift from Peerkho to Mubarak Mandi:
This project, once completed, will significantly enhance tourist connectivity between the Mubarak Mandi complex and Peerkho, making access easier, especially for elderly visitors and tourists. It is also expected to integrate with the broader heritage circuit of Jammu, linking significant religious and cultural destinations.
3. Proposed Flyover Bridge (Circular Road – Jullaka Mohalla – Mubarak Mandi):
The Divisional Commissioner directed the authorities to float tenders for the proposed flyover, which will connect Circular Road near Jullaka Mohalla to the Mubarak Mandi Complex. This connectivity project is crucial for easing traffic congestion and improving the approach to the heritage site.
Conservation and Heritage Restoration Works
The meeting also reviewed the ongoing conservation projects within the complex, which include:
• Darbar Hall
• Dogra Art Museum
• Raja Ram Singh Palace
• Raja Amar Singh Palace
• Central Courtyard
These heritage components are being restored under the supervision of conservation experts, with a focus on preserving the original Dogra architectural style while ensuring structural safety. The projects are part of a phased restoration plan funded through both central and state schemes.
Directions and Administrative Focus:
Divisional Commissioner Ramesh Kumar emphasized inter-departmental coordination and strict adherence to project timelines. He instructed all implementing agencies to work in a collaborative framework to ensure the timely completion of works, without compromising on quality or heritage integrity.
He also highlighted the importance of the Mubarak Mandi Complex as a symbol of Jammu’s identity and a potential tourism hub under the Jammu Smart City and heritage tourism initiatives. The restoration and infrastructure improvements are expected to attract both domestic and international tourists, contributing to Jammu’s cultural economy.
The Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex served as the royal residence of the Dogra rulers and stands as a testament to Jammu’s historical and architectural legacy. Over the years, the structure has suffered due to neglect, weather damage, and inadequate maintenance. The ongoing restoration efforts, therefore, represent a major cultural revival initiative by the Government of Jammu and Kashmir.
The integration of modern infrastructure—such as parking facilities, lifts, and improved connectivity—with heritage conservation is part of a larger strategy to balance heritage preservation with urban development.
The review chaired by Divisional Commissioner Ramesh Kumar underlines the administration’s commitment to revitalizing the Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex into a vibrant cultural, tourism, and historical destination. With focused planning, timely execution, and sustained monitoring, the project has the potential to restore Mubarak Mandi’s lost grandeur and reinforce Jammu’s position as the cultural heart of the Dogra region.
