JAMMU, Jun 6: The Congress on Saturday raised serious concerns over the damage caused to the historic Shri Gadhadhar Temple within the Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex and questioned the silence of the BJP and RSS on the issue. The party demanded a comprehensive white paper on the Mubarak Mandi Dogra Heritage Complex, detailing funds spent, executing agencies, future plans, and the overall roadmap for conservation and development of the heritage site.
Addressing a press conference at Rajiv Bhawan, Jammu, JKPCC Working President Raman Bhalla, Chief Spokesperson Ravinder Sharma, former MLC and Incharge Headquarters Ved Mahajan, senior leader and former DCC President Thakur Manmohan Singh, along with local leaders Chander Shekhar, Atul Sharma, Ram Magotra, Virinder Kumar, and Pawan Sharma, expressed concern over the recent collapse of a portion of the temple structure.
Raman Bhalla criticized what he described as the silence of the BJP-RSS on an issue involving both religious sentiments and Dogra heritage. He alleged that despite the seriousness of the incident, BJP leaders had failed to address the concerns of local residents, who have been facing difficulties due to ongoing works and poor planning in the heritage complex for several years.
Chief Spokesperson Ravinder Sharma expressed concern over the reported demolition of the historic Chabutra, which he described as a symbol of the Lok Adalat system during the Dogra rule. He questioned how a protected heritage monument could be subjected to extensive excavations and structural alterations without adequate consultation with stakeholders and heritage experts.
The Congress leaders alleged that deep excavations near centuries-old structures, including the over 200-year-old Gadhadhar Temple, reflected poor planning and negligence. They claimed that commercial considerations appeared to be taking precedence over the preservation of Dogra heritage and cultural identity.
The party also highlighted the hardships faced by residents living around the Mubarak Mandi Complex, including disruption of connectivity, water supply issues, and damage to sewerage infrastructure. According to Congress leaders, local inhabitants have repeatedly raised concerns but have received little response from the authorities.
The leaders further questioned expenditure patterns within the project, citing reports that substantial funds had been spent on renovating a building intended to house the Heritage Society office, only for the same structure to be later demolished for a parking facility. They alleged that such decisions reflected a lack of expert planning and proper heritage management.
Demanding transparency, the Congress called for the issuance of a white paper outlining the total funds allocated and spent, the agencies and contractors involved, future conservation plans, and measures taken to safeguard both heritage structures and public amenities in the area.
The party announced that a high-level delegation would raise the matter with the Lieutenant Governor during a meeting scheduled later in the day. Congress leaders asserted that they would continue to press for accountability, an independent inquiry into the incident, immediate restoration of the damaged temple structure, and improved civic facilities for residents living in and around the Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex.
The party also urged the administration to undertake urgent repair and conservation measures to protect the historic site and prevent any further damage to Jammu’s rich cultural and religious heritage.