Symbol of Jammu’s heritage, Mubarak Mandi palace, is facing the threat of being converted into a five-star hotel.
Symbol of Jammu’s heritage, Mubarak Mandi palace, is facing the threat of being converted into a five-star hotel.
The body responsible for restoring the glory of the 150-year-old monument has decided to lease out a portion of the palace, particularly the royal residential portions, for converting into a hotel.
The highest seat of Dogra monarchs, Mubarak Mandi, is close to the hearts of the people of Jammu who trace their ethnical and cultural moorings to this heritage structure. Cutting across party and ideological lines, there is dissent against the move as it could threaten the cultural legacy of the Dogras, who form the majority of the people of Jammu district.
“The twin residential complex is being leased out for being converted into a hotel. It is a huge area spread over 120 kanals (20 kanals form one hectare) and there are twin buildings which were the residences of kings. These buildings are being leased out for generating funds to restore the monument’s glory,” said Arun Sharma, executive director of Mubarak Mandi Heritage Society.
The society proposes to construct a museum, conference hall and a craft bazaar. “We need over Rs200 crore. But for the last three years we have got only Rs3 crore. That means we shall have to wait for 300 years. Therefore our consultants proposed to lease out precisely one-tenth of the land,” Sharma said.
The historic Mubarak Mandi complex was the royal residence of Dogra rulers that ruled Kashmir till 1947 when Maharja Hari Singh signed the instrument of accession with India. The oldest building was built in 1824.
The issue rocked the state assembly a few days ago with members of BJP National Panthers Party and Jammu State Morcha demanding a reply from the government.
Sources said some political leaders are planning to move to court against the move. Meanwhile, the government will examine the proposal.
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