Srinagar, Jan 19: It would sound like a crude joke that one wants to beautify the house while letting its walls collapse. But something like this came true Wednesday when the Tourism Department said it plans to spend Rs 49 crore on the development of Naagar Nagar, the area within the neglected historic rampart, the Kalai, which has been bearing for years, severe encroachments and decay. 
 While the authorities have failed to save emperor Jalal-ud-Din Muhammad Akbar’s creation, the officials plan to develop presumably everything pertaining to the tourism, except for concern towards the historic wall there.

‘THE PLAN’
 As per an official handout, the development came forth during a meeting of officials chaired by Divisional Commissioner, Dr Asghar Hassan Samoon to “discuss various issues regarding promotion of tourism and facilities for tourists and tourism industry owners.”
 “The Director Tourism informed the meeting that an amount of Rs. 49 crore have been proposed for development of Naagar Nagar in the Shehr-e-Khaas. The project envisages renovation and development of age old heritage of Kashmir in the area,” it added.
 Amongst others the meeting, as per the handout was attended by, District Development Commissioner, Srinagar, Meraj Ahmad Kakroo and Director Tourism, Farooq Ahmad Shah, Director Airport Authority, Srinagar, Capt Raj Malik, SP Airport,  Abdul Rashid, Commandant CRPF, Shaheedi, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Budgam, President Travel Agents Association, Rouf Ahmad Tramboo, President TASK,  Ghulam Rasool Siah and President TAAI, JK Chapter,  Shameem Ahmad Shah.

‘THE NEGLECT’
 Despite declaring the Kalai, a protected monument in March last year, the government has not only failed to remove the encroachments but many new constructions have been allowed.
  For now most part of the 4.75 KM long wall, fencing the Koh-e-Maran hillock with a fort atop is facing encroachments, mostly in the form of residential dwellings.
  And height of encroachments is that apart from two sides of the mighty wall, its top too has come under the mess.
 Same is what is visible when one looks towards the Koh-e-Maran from the Malkha side of the old City.

‘THE IRONY’
 Despite protected in papers no department is willing to own the responsibility of Kalai conservation even though the Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand says its pristine glory would be restored.
 Just last month, department of Archaeology –expected to be primarily responsible for the wall protection didn’t own it while its Director passed the buck onto Tourism department.
 But the Tourism officials while denying their role in the wall conservation had said urban bodies should conserve the wall.

BOTTOMLINE
 Interestingly, the Tourism department had admitted that conservation work couldn’t be started unless the encroachments are removed.
 But while the encroachments continue to vandalize the wall, the officials Wednesday discussed the interiors.
 Given the decay of the Kalai coupled with government plans to develop Naagar Nagar, the City could soon have a “tourist attraction” there but without the historic wall, which as per experts is vanishing away fast.

Lastupdate on : Wed, 19 Jan 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Wed, 19 Jan 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Thu, 20 Jan 2011 00:00:00 IST