Srinagar: Just when one thought the controversy surrounding Zubin Mehta concert was put to some rest after the civil society in Kashmir decided to launch a counter event of music and culture rather than going after Ehsas-e-Kashmir more directly, members of the civil society led by noted economist and former Chairman of Jammu and Kashmir Bank, Haseeb Drabu, have written to UNESCO to impress upon the J&K govt to ensure that the show isnt conducted at Shalimar Bagh, a potential world heritage site.
We are reaching out to you being gravely concerned about the threat to a potential World Heritage Site in the state of J&K, says the petition.
Shalimar Bagh, which is under consideration for being declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, is scheduled to witness Bavarian State Orchestra by globally acclaimed composer, Zubin Mehta on Sep 7.
Alleging that the Mughal garden is under a grave threat of being damaged, the petition says: The current status of Shalimar Bagh is that it is on the tentative list suitable for inscription on the World Heritage List. The Permanent Delegation of India has made the nomination of Shalimar Bagh, to UNESCO on 13/12/2010. The UNESCO reference number of the nomination is 5580. According to your own records, the origins of the Shalimar Bagh garden and cultural landscape go as far back as the 6th Century.
Raising a strong alarm, the petition suggests that the Shalimar Bagh is on the verge of losing some of its best features.
From photographic and anecdotal evidence it appears that the water channel, the papier mache ceilings, the carved columns, brackets and railings made of stone, recessed niches and naqashi (paintings) on walls are being, or have been, damaged, says the petition, adding, This precious cultural and natural heritage is in great danger due to the construction of a stage and seating for a music concert.
The petition concludes with a strong appeal to UNESCO to assess the impacts of the concert on the potential World Heritage of the Shalimar Bagh and to insist on the Government of India, Government of J&K, and the German Government to refrain from any action infringing upon this site bearing the potential to become a World Heritage Site.
Meanwhile another Civil Society Group, Kashmir Centre for Social and Development Studies (KCSDS) is holding a Round Table Conference with the theme “Musical Therapy To Kashmir Wounds” here on Wednesday. Prominant political leaders and civil society members are likely to participate in the conference, KCDS member Shakeel Kalandar told the Kashmir Observer.
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