Urges Govt to safeguard this symbol of Dogra heritage from further decay
DOGRA HERALD BUREAU
JAMMU, Sept 3
Gulchain Singh Charak, President of Dogra Sadar Sabha, Jammu and Kashmir, and former Minister, has raised serious concerns about the collapsing walls of the prestigious Gole Ghar building at the Mubarak Mandi complex, which has been further deteriorated by the ongoing rainy season. In this regard, the former minister visited the historic site to assess the current state of the structure and took stock of the damage caused by the inclement weather. During his visit, Sh. Charak pointed out that the Gole Ghar, once a symbol of the region’s rich heritage, is now in a deplorable condition. He emphasized the urgent need to preserve this prestigious building, which holds immense historical significance for the people of Jammu. He recalled that the National Flag was once hoisted at the Gole Ghar, a sight that could be viewed all the way from Sialkot, now part of Pakistan. The heritage and pride associated with the Gole Ghar, he said, are now at risk due to the alarming neglect of authorities.
The DSS President also drew attention to the slopes of Mubarak Mandi, visible from the backside near Circular Road, which are in danger of collapsing due to ongoing landslides triggered by heavy rains. This, he warned, could result in further damage to the structures if immediate action is not taken.
The former Minister lamented the lack of progress in restoring the building, recalling his efforts during his tenure as a Cabinet Minister. He had taken steps to save the Gole Ghar by installing temporarily crates to support the structure and recommended the construction of some temporary pillars to support the important structure unless the work for their restoration is completed. However, he expressed disappointment that nothing substantial has been done to secure the building, attributing this to the casual approach of the authorities responsible for heritage preservation.
Expressing his deep resentment, Gulchain Singh Charak stated that despite repeatedly raising this significant issue, the concerned authorities have shown reluctance in the work for restoration of this prestigious heritage. He called upon the government to take immediate and adequate measures to save this important heritage site, warning that the entire building complex could collapse if urgent steps are not taken.
He urged the authorities to act swiftly to protect this symbol of Dogra heritage from further deterioration. The former minister also mentioned that it has appeared in a section of press that several artifacts and confidential documents, comprising of several important files, would be shifted from the Archives of Jammu to the Union Territory of Ladakh. He asserted that these files have been preserved in the Archives repository in Mubarak Mandi Complex, Jammu since the time of the Dogra rulers. He demanded that the authorities should retain and preserve the original files in Jammu only for future generations and send photocopies of the same documents to the Union Territory of Ladakh for record purposes. Moreover, keeping the condition of these important documents, there is a great risk in shifting these fragile files.
