Apathy writ large on Jammu forts

Vikram Sharma
Tribune News Service
Jammu, April 17

Jammu’s ancient monuments, particularly forts, continue to remain neglected.

There have been demands by political parties to bring them on the tourist map of the world yet no initiative has been taken so far. There are nearly 41 important forts in the 10 districts of Jammu province which remain off the radar of the government, especially the tourism department. A recent visit to Ladden Kotli Fort, situated on the Udhampur-Ghordi road, dampened the spirits on seeing its neglect and abandonment.

“The fort was constructed by Raja Abhay Ram of Udhampur on a hillock and commands a majestic view of the area. Today, it presents a dilapidated and ramshackled view depicting the neglect and apathy over a long period of time,” said Salam Din, a resident of Ghordi. The fort has been declared as a state-protected monument in the Ancient Monument Preservation Act, 1920. Almost similar is the fate of other forts of the province which are bearing the brunt of different vagaries.

The Samba district holds the distinction of having four forts (Mohar Garh Fort, Dehar Garh Fort, Bupner Garh Fort and Samba Fort) which are lying in the condition they were left in after the princely patronage to them was taken away by the government. “Some authorities from the tourism department or the Archaeological Survey of India pay occasional visits here which gives an impression that renovation will be done but all exercises have remained futile till date,” said Praduman Singh, a trader in Samba town. The most apathetic scene is presented through the aerial view of Bahu Fort, Jammu, which shows the withering away of the walls and compounds of the fort which houses the highly revered shrine of Maa Kali and is frequently visited by local and foreign visitors. OP Bhagat, director, Tourism, Jammu, said efforts were being made to save the remnants of the forts which otherwise could not be reconstructed to their pristine glory.

“We are preparing a coffee table book of these forts which will be released next month and will present an insight into the forts to the visitors,” Bhagat said. He said on World Heritage Day on Thursday, no particular function, seminar or presentation was being held.