Heritage in J-K’s Dogra in shambles as preservation work moves at snail’s pace

The Mubarak Mandi heritage complex, which in its halcyon days housed the royal seat of the erstwhile Dogra rulers of Jammu and Kashmir... (Nitin Kanotra/HT Photo)

Updated on: Feb 14, 2017 1:45 AM IST

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The Mubarak Mandi heritage complex, which in its halcyon days housed the royal seat of the erstwhile Dogra rulers of Jammu and Kashmir... (Nitin Kanotra/HT Photo)

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...now lies in a shambles as efforts for its preservation move at a snail’s pace. (Nitin Kanotra/HT Photo)

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On July 5, 2008, the then UPA-II government at the Centre had launched a project worth Rs 53 crore to carry out the restoration work. (Nitin Kanotra/HT Photo)

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However, the Amarnath land agitation brought it to a standstill. (Nitin Kanotra/HT Photo)

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The same year, the New Delhi-based Indian National Trust for Art, Culture and Heritage (INTACH) had put forth an estimate of Rs 150 crore for the next five years to carry out further improvements in the complex. (Nitin Kanotra/HT Photo)

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Despite eight years since the restoration work started nothing substantial has been achieved so far. (Nitin Kanotra/HT Photo)

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A symbol of Duggar heritage, the Mubarak Mandi complex had been declared a heritage under the Jammu and Kashmir Ancient Monuments Preservation Act, 1977. (Nitin Kanotra/HT Photo)

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The 159-year-old complex is a reminder of the erstwhile Dogra rulers. (Nitin Kanotra/HT Photo)

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Over the decades it has not only faced vagaries of weather, but also been subjected to vandalism, ignorance, theft and fire incidents. (Nitin Kanotra/HT Photo)

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Also called as the Mubarak Mandi Royal Dogra Palace complex, it was originally built as residence of the Dogra rulers. (Nitin Kanotra/HT Photo)

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Situated at an altitude of 1,120 ft, the complex was founded by Raja Dhruv Dev in around 1710 AD, along the lofty banks of Tawi river. (Nitin Kanotra/HT Photo)

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The few structures that were initially constructed, were later expanded by successive rulers. (Nitin Kanotra/HT Photo)

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Construction of Gole Ghar, which is one of the oldest buildings in the palace complex, was started by Raja Dhruv Dev (1707-1725 AD) and Maharaja Gulab Singh (1822-1856 AD) further expanded it. (Nitin Kanotra/HT Photo)

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The last phase of the Gole Ghar was completed during the reign of Maharaja Ranbir Singh (1857-1885). (Nitin Kanotra/HT Photo)

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Today, despite the so-called preservation work that is being carried out by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the heritage complex longs for attention... (Nitin Kanotra/HT Photo)

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...Failing which, time will cast its irrevocable wrinkles on its grandeur. (Nitin Kanotra/HT Photo)