Minister of State for Culture and Tourism Priya Sethi, while replying to a Calling Attention Notice of Dr. Shehnaz Ganai, today informed the House that Sheesh Mahal Palace in Poonch is presently used by the Education Department and Girls Higher Secondary School is functioning in the premises of the Palace. The Minister said that the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for conservation and restoration will be taken up physically once the palace under question is declared as State Protected Monument (SPM) under the J&K Ancient Monument Preservation Act 1920, Amendment Act 2010 and J&K Heritage Conservation and Preservation Act-2010. The Minister further informed the House that Moti Mahal Palace is used by the Army and the Army authorities have not given permission for its survey and documentation with the result the department is unable to take up the process of its declaration as a State Protected Monument/ Heritage Building. Regarding the Bagh Deodi, the Minister informed the House that the process of declaring it as State Protected Monument under J&K Ancient Monument Preservation Act 1920 (Amendment, 2010) has been initiated and is under process.She said that Revenue authorities have been requested to furnish revenue record. Once the revenue documents are
received, case will be further processed and notification will be issued accordingly”, she said and added that the process of its restoration and conservation can be taken up only after issuance of notification. The Minister also informed that the repairs and renovation work on Poonch Fort are in full swing and its beautification will attract tourists in future to a large extent.
