SRINAGAR, MAY 07: Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Akshay Labroo, today conducted an on-site inspection of the ongoing upgradation and renovation works at Vicharnag Temple and Khankah-e-Naqshband Sahib (RA) being executed under the Heritage Conservation Scheme of the Government to preserve the rich cultural, spiritual and architectural heritage of the district.
During the visit, the Deputy Commissioner was accompanied by Additional Deputy Commissioner Mir Imtiyaz Ul Aziz, Chief Planning Officer Fayaz Ahmad Dar, IAS Probationer Alfred Thomas, Superintending Engineer R&B Circle North Shabir Ahmad, Executive Engineers of R&B, SMC, PHE, PDD, UEED, Tehsildar Eidgah, officers of Archives & Archaeology and other concerned departments.
At the ancient Vicharnag Temple, a site of immense historical and religious significance located in the Nowshera area, the Deputy Commissioner reviewed the revival, restoration and conservation works being undertaken under the government scheme to preserve the heritage character of the monument.
The DC reviewed different project components and directed officers to ensure strict adherence to timelines and quality standards as envisioned under the project guidelines. He also instructed officers to expedite the pace of work and adopt technically feasible measures for establishing an efficient drainage mechanism at the heritage site.
Officials informed the DC that substantial progress has been achieved on several components of the project, including land filling, construction of gate, boundary wall, toilet block and security quarter. They added that underpinning works of the two main temple structures and restoration of the main springs are nearing completion, while levelling of ground, development of pathways and allied works have also been initiated.
At Khankah-e-Naqshband Sahib (RA) in Khawaja Bazar Nowhatta area of Srinagar, the Deputy Commissioner reviewed the ongoing preservation works being carried out under the Heritage Conservation Scheme.
He stressed the need for accelerating the pace of work and ensuring timely completion while maintaining prescribed quality standards. Officials informed him that the project includes structural conservation while retaining the original exterior appearance, restoration of wooden architecture and intricate ornamentation, restoration of wooden elements on the exterior façade, and installation of khatamband ceiling with traditional papier-mâché work in the central hall.
The DC emphasized that both projects hold immense heritage significance and are aimed at preserving and restoring the original architectural aesthetics of centuries-old spiritual and cultural landmarks of Srinagar.
