Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha laid the groundwork for the conservation and restoration of Srinagar’s historic Shalimar Garden on Saturday. The Lt Governor praised the efforts of the JSW Foundation, Conservation Architects, Floriculture Department, local artists, and other experts involved in the conservation and restoration of Shalimar Garden in his address.The UT Government, in collaboration with the JSW Foundation, is making consistent efforts to restore J&K’s glorious heritage, which will boost tourism in the region, according to the Lt Governor.
“Gardens reflect cultural heritage in a living way.” “We have embarked on a journey to preserve the valuable sites, cultural assets that represent artistic and intellectual brilliance,” the Lt Governor added.
The Lt Governor described the preservation of ecology and cultural heritage, as well as growth in the industrial sector, as key components of sustainable development, and stated that the government is working on all fronts to ensure the progress of J&K and the equitable development of society. Apart from attracting new investments and industries to the UT, we have also ensured the preservation of cultural assets left to us by our forefathers, the Lt Governor added.
Gardens have remained one of the valley’s most popular tourist attractions. The Floriculture Department is working hard to protect the historical and cultural heritage of eight Mughal Gardens. The Mughal Gardens’ dossier was already submitted for inclusion as a UNESCO World Heritage Site last year, which increased the number of tourists and locals visiting the gardens, according to the Lt Governor.
The Conservation Architect, Abha Narain Lambah, briefed the Lieutenant Governor on the phase-wise action plan for the restoration of the Shalimar Garden. The project will also restore the stone fountain, painted ceiling, artwork, and unique hydrology system, according to reports.
While speaking on the occasion, Sangita Jindal, Chairperson, JSW Foundation, highlighted the foundation’s conservation and restoration efforts and reiterated the foundation’s commitment to assisting and supporting the Government of J&K in preserving the heritage gardens through CSR.
Sheikh Fayaz Ahmad, Commissioner/Secretary, Department of Floriculture, Parks and Gardens in his welcome address highlighted the initiatives taken by the department, in collaboration with experts of Heritage restoration agencies for development and preservation of various parks and gardens in Jammu and Kashmir. Pertinently, J&K Government, last year, inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with JSW Foundation for restoration and conservation of Shalimar and Nishat Gardens.
Sajjan Jindal, Chairman, JSW Group; Sanjay Khan, renowned filmmaker and actor, besides members of JSW Foundation, artists and large number of people from all walks of life were present on the occasion.
Mohd Aijaz, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar; Athar Aamir Khan, Commissioner Srinagar Municipal Corporation and other senior officers were also present.