Jammu, 20 February (H.S.): In a major push to expand its footprint in key metropolitan cities, the Jammu and Kashmir government is pursuing the construction of new, state-of-the-art Bhawans in Dwarka and Navi Mumbai, even as its ambitious redevelopment plan for the high-value property at 5, Prithviraj Road in the national capital remains entangled in stringent heritage norms.

Providing a detailed status update in the Legislative Assembly on Friday, the minister in-charge of the Hospitality & Protocol Department outlined the administration’s comprehensive strategy to upgrade its official accommodations across the country.

Responding to a query by legislator Irfan Hafiz Lone, the minister informed the House that while the redevelopment of the prestigious J&K House on Prithviraj Road is a priority, the project is navigating significant regulatory hurdles. According to the minister, the drafting of the Expression of Interest (EoI) is at an “advanced stage.” However, the project’s location within the Lutyens’ Bungalow Zone (LBZ) and the heritage tag on the main building mandate clearance from the Prime Minister’s Office and prohibit any structural changes to the heritage structure.

The government has been forced to plan for the demolition of all existing ancillary structures—including staff quarters and the PWD office—that fall within the nine-meter no-construction buffer zone along the boundary wall. “The matter is being taken up with the executing agencies to come up with the best possible execution models keeping in view the above issues and the need for adequate accommodation within the complex,” the minister stated.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar