Samba fort: Symbol of discrimination with Jammu region

Samba fort: Symbol of discrimination with Jammu region Nitesh Sangral 9/6/2012 6:07:23 PM JAMMU, Sept 6: Despite claims by the government of saving the heritage of the state which include the historical buildings, on ground sitution is pathetic, when looking at the condition of histotical buildings. One such place is the Samba fort, which is totally in shambles for want to care by the government, otherwise it could have become a major tourist attraction in the state. Though the much hyped project for the renovation of historic Mubarak Mandi project is also going on at snails pace, but apathetic attitude of the government with Jammu region is visible on ground. A senior officer from Tourism Department alleged that while crores have been pumped for the preservation and renovation of heritage buildings in Kashmir valley, Jammu is being given raw deal by the government, which is not releasing any special funds, as in case of Kashmir. The Samba fort, a part of Dogra heritage is crumbling owing to the department’s neglect and if it is not protected, the monument will collapse entirely, which the elements have eroded over time. Due to vandalism and lack of interest of the concerned department, they may just disappear. For many years, even three government schools were also functioning from the place and they recently shifted from the place. Their operation from the place also led to forts slow destruction. "The government schools were taking complete benefits of this building. Now these schools have own buildings and schools shifted but nobody thinking about the Samba Fort", said a local resident, Mubarak Singh . “There are many heritage monuments for which tourist from every part of the county visited every year, but the lack of awareness about the significance of the forts and other monuments in their areas. The fort is slowly decaying or falling at any time. Local Rahul Singh said that too old heritage fort in the Samba District and many people approached to the authorities to renovate the Fort. The authorities also released the funds but due to some reasons the funds are not used. The Heritage symbolizes our cultural backgrounds; it is very important for us to save heritage and let our future generations know our culture and cultural. In the state there are many sites which deserve to be declared as Heritage, but unfortunately the state government is not taking interest toward these buildings. Due to this the shambles conditions of the Fort in Samba district. Vicky says, the presently condition of Samba fort is very bad, every room in the building have cracked. I urged to the locals stand together for save the “Samba fort” and should spread the awareness in the people of here about the Fort. “If the government will maintain the entire, the also make a tourist spot and many people come from different states. The Fort also deceased few number of unemployment and also help to local people”, he added. Locals said that Fort during Dogra rule was a major symbol of the area and it should have been protected. When contacted Tourism Minister Rigzin Jora said a detailed project is being made for the renovation of the fort and same would be put before the central government for funds.