J&K Govt Pushes for Heritage Conservation with Ongoing and Upcoming Projects
Srinagar, Mar 20, KNT: The Jammu and Kashmir government has initiated extensive efforts for the conservation and restoration of heritage sites across the Union Territory. According to official information presented in the Legislative Assembly on Thursday, work is currently underway on 45 heritage projects, including forts and religious sites, under a dedicated scheme.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who also oversees the Department of Culture, stated that an additional 73 projects have been identified for Phase-II of the scheme, focusing on the revival, restoration, preservation, and maintenance of historical architecture in J&K.
In response to a query from National Conference legislator Farooq Ahmad Shah, the Chief Minister clarified that no heritage conservation projects funded by the central government are presently being implemented by the Department of Culture or the Department of Tourism in the UT. However, the government has independently sanctioned a comprehensive heritage conservation initiative.
Between 2019 and 2024, 15 projects were executed under the capital expenditure (CAPEX) plan, while work on 33 projects continues under the first phase of the UT-level scheme launched in 2022. In addition, seven restoration and renovation projects are being carried out at the historic Mubarak Mandi complex in Jammu.
Detailed project reports for 73 heritage sites, including forts, religious landmarks, and historical structures, have been prepared for the second phase. The Chief Minister further disclosed that Rs 310.71 crore has been allocated for CAPEX and the two-phase heritage conservation scheme, of which Rs 86.40 crore has already been utilized for CAPEX and Phase-I projects.
Regarding the Mubarak Mandi heritage restoration, a sanctioned amount of Rs 59.69 crore has been earmarked for seven specific projects, with work worth Rs 17.70 crore already completed. Mubarak Mandi, once the royal abode of the Dogra rulers, was declared a protected monument in 2005. Subsequently, the Mubarak Mandi Jammu Heritage Society (MMJHS) was formed to oversee its preservation.
The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) first outlined a conservation vision document in 2008, followed by the approval of a detailed master plan in 2019. This plan divides the complex into six distinct zones: Public Zone, Knowledge Centre, Interpretation and Collection Galleries, Lifestyle, Experiential Spaces, and Crafts Bazaar. Under this master plan, Rs 144.15 crore has been designated for various sub-projects within the complex, with some projects completed and others ongoing.
Highlighting the broader efforts for heritage preservation, the Chief Minister emphasized that the government’s initiative, launched in 2022, aims at systematic restoration while maintaining historical integrity. The Directorate of Archives, Archaeology, and Museums has been entrusted with legal and structural protection of heritage sites through extensive surveys and value-based restoration.
In addition to physical conservation, awareness campaigns are being conducted to engage local communities in heritage preservation and boost heritage tourism. Technological advancements such as 3D mapping and digital archives are being leveraged to document sites and digitize ancient manuscripts, ensuring accessibility and long-term protection.
Furthermore, special measures are being implemented to safeguard heritage structures from environmental threats such as earthquakes, floods, and extreme weather conditions. The impact of climate change is being assessed to formulate long-term conservation strategies, while proactive steps are being taken to prevent encroachment and vandalism of heritage sites.
