Srinagar, July 1: Finally the central government has sanctioned Rs 50 crore for the conservation of Kalai, the Mughal City rampart and its interiors, which have been witnessing decay and encroachments due to continued neglect.
 “Rs 50 crore have been sanctioned by Central government under Naagar Nager project for the preservation of cultural heritage of Kashmir and creating heritage based infrastructure at various locations,” an official handout said adding that this was disclosed by Minister for Tourism and Culture,  Nawang Rigzin Jora at a high level meeting convened to discuss acquisition of the land for implementation of this prestigious project. Minister of State for Tourism and Culture,   Nasir Sogami was also present in the meeting.
 The Ministers said that the “various components of the project are restoration of Kalai around Koh-e-Maran in the erstwhile Mughal City.
 Naagar Nager, was established by emperor Jalal Ud Din Muhammad Akbar in 16th century. Jora said the Kalai has recently been declared as Protected Monument by the department of Archives.
 “It was stated that other components of the project include the restoration of Mosque and Hamam built by prince Dhara Shiko, lake interpretation centre and Ecology park. The major component of the project is construction of walkway and pedestrian mall from Amda Kadal to Nageen club,” the handout said.
 The Ministers directed “close coordination among various departments whose land is being transferred to the project so that to avoid obstacle in the implementation of the project.”
 They directed the Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar to complete the legal formalities for the same.
 Among others, who were present in the meeting include Commissioner Secretary Tourism,   Atul Duloo, Principal |Chief Conservator of Forest, Vice Chairman LAWDA, Vice Chairman Srinagar Development Authority, Vice Chairman Waquf Board, Director Tourism, Convenor INTACH, Muhammad Saleem Beg, Consultant Culture, Joint Director Tourism, Joint Director Animal Husbandry Kashmir, Joint Commissioner SMC, Chief Executive Officer, Wular- Mansbal Development Authority, SSP Srinagar and Deputy Director Health Kashmir.
 Pertinently, the efforts to conserve the Naagar Nager were initiated some six years back when  Naeem Akhter a then Commissioner Secretary Tourism had tabled a proposal before the government.

Lastupdate on : Fri, 1 Jul 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
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