Safeguard all temples at Mubarak Mandi as well: Raman Suri
JAMMU, Jun 5: Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Raman Suri has expressed deep concern over the reported collapse of a wall of the historic Gadadhar Temple near the Mubarak Mandi Palace Complex and urged the Mubarak Mandi Heritage Society, Jammu Smart City Limited (JSCL), and all concerned agencies to exercise utmost caution while undertaking restoration and developmental works in the heritage precinct.
Reacting to the unfortunate incident, Raman Suri said that while it is a matter of relief that no loss of life or injury was reported, the collapse of a portion of the temple wall should serve as a serious warning for all agencies involved in restoration and infrastructure projects within the historic complex. He noted that the Gadadhar Temple, built by the Dogra rulers in the 18th century and housing life-size idols of Shri Gadadhar Ji and Devi Lakshmi Ji, is an important symbol of Jammu’s rich cultural and religious heritage and deserves the highest level of protection.
Raman Suri stated that Mubarak Mandi is not merely a historical monument but a living heritage complex that houses several temples and religious structures. All temples and heritage assets within and around the complex must also be properly surveyed, protected, restored, and maintained. Any developmental activity in the vicinity of these structures, he said, must be undertaken only after detailed technical assessments and consultations with heritage conservation experts.
The BJP leader said the agency responsible for constructing the parking complex and executing related works must strictly adhere to all safety norms and engineering protocols. Proper monitoring mechanisms should be put in place to ensure that such incidents are not repeated in future and that no heritage structure suffers damage due to negligence or inadequate planning.
Raman Suri also pointed out that the region is approaching the monsoon season and cautioned authorities against allowing restoration and excavation works to remain incomplete during periods of heavy rainfall. He stressed that all ongoing projects should be completed well within the stipulated timeframe and that vulnerable structures should be adequately secured before the onset of rains. Construction and restoration activities, he said, are best undertaken during dry weather conditions when risks to old and fragile heritage buildings can be minimized.
Emphasizing the need for accountability, Raman Suri called upon the concerned departments to conduct a thorough technical inquiry into the circumstances that led to the collapse of the temple wall and to immediately take corrective measures. He said that Jammu’s heritage belongs to future generations and preserving it is a collective responsibility. He urged the administration, conservation agencies, engineers, and heritage experts to work in close coordination to ensure that restoration efforts strengthen, rather than endanger, the priceless historical and religious structures that form an integral part of Jammu’s identity.