Srinagar- Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha said on Saturday that apart from bringing new investments & industries to Jammu and Kashmir, his government has also ensured the protection of cultural assets inherited from our forefathers.
Sinha made these remarks after laying the foundation stone for the conservation and restoration of the historic Shalimar Garden at Srinagar, an official spokesperson said.
In his address, he said, the LG appreciated the efforts of JSW Foundation, Conservation Architects, Floriculture Department, local artists and other experts associated with the conservation and restoration work of Shalimar Garden.
“UT Government, in collaboration with JSW Foundation, is making consistent efforts to restore the glorious heritage of J&K, which will further give a fillip to tourism in the region,” the LG said.
“Gardens are a living reflection of cultural heritage. We have embarked on a journey to conserve the precious sites, cultural assets that represent artistic and intellectual brilliance,” he added.
“Gardens have remained one of the main attractions for tourists in the valley. The Floriculture Department is making dedicated efforts to preserve the historical-cultural heritage of eight Mughal Gardens. The dossier of the Mughal Gardens was already sent for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage Site last year and it has boosted the influx of tourists and locals to these gardens,” he added.
According to the spokesperson, Abha Narain Lambah, Conservation Architect briefed the Lt Governor about the phase-wise action plan for the execution of restoration work of the Shalimar garden.
He said it was informed that the stone fountain, painted ceiling, artwork, and unique hydrology system will also be restored under the project.
“Sangita Jindal, Chairperson, JSW Foundation, while speaking on the occasion highlighted the conservation and restoration works undertaken by JSW foundation, and reiterated the foundation’s commitment to assist and support the Government of J&K in preserving the heritage gardens under CSR,” the spokesperson added.
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; actor Sanjay Khan besides members of JSW Foundation were present on the occasion.
