Div Com chairs meeting for promotion of traditional, cultural festivals

Srinagar, Dec 20: The Divisional Commissioner (Div Com) Kashmir, Pandurang K Pole Monday chaired a meeting for promotion of traditional and cultural festivals in Kashmir through Google Meet.
The meeting was attended by Dy Director Archives, Archeology and Museums, representing Member Secretary; Secretary, J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages; Director Tourism; Chief Engineer PWD, (R&B) Besides nominated members of the Committee for implementation of the scheme for promotion of traditional and cultural festivals including Tehsildar representing, CEO J&K, Waqf Board; Director, Doordarshan, Srinagar and Head of Kashmir International NGO.
The meeting deliberated over the identification of places for celebration of festivals in Kashmir division. It was decided that festivals will be organized in two phases with the first phase ending on March 31, 2022.
The Div Com approved the expenditure of Rs 3.20 lakh for the celebration of festivals in the first phase while the expenditure for the 2nd Phase will be Rs 20cr. He also directed for reviewing the list of places where cultural and traditional festivals shall be held.
Besides, the expenditure for shrines has been divided as per the categories with Rs 3 lakh at Small Shrines, Rs 5 lakh at Medium shrines and Rs 10 lakh at Large Shrines.
Also, the concerned officers have been asked to prepare the DPR for the reparation, Conservation and Restoration of heritage sites. It was informed that out of fifty identified heritage sites, the DPR of twenty two sites is pending.
On the Occasion, Div Com directed concerned officers to expedite the preparation of DPR for pending heritage buildings and sites.
It is pertinent to mention that the objective scheme is to preserve festivals as a part of our composite culture and enhance the festivity of these festivals.