Jammu & Kashmir – Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today emphasized the government’s commitment to Kashmir heritage conservation, stating that the Department of Culture is mandated with the revival, restoration, and conservation of Jammu and Kashmir’s valuable heritage sites. Several significant initiatives have been undertaken for Kashmir heritage conservation at key locations including Parihaspora, Pattan, and Tappar.
The CM made these remarks while replying to a question in the Legislative Assembly raised by MLA Pattan, Javid Riyaz Bedar, regarding the promotion of heritage tourism in the region. Omar, who also holds the portfolio of Culture and Tourism departments, provided comprehensive details about ongoing Kashmir heritage conservation projects and future plans.
ASI’s Role in Heritage Tourism Promotion
Omar Abdullah informed the House that the mandate for promotion of Heritage Tourism at the heritage sites of Parihaspora, Pattan, and Tappar vests with the Archaeological Survey of India. This clarification regarding Kashmir heritage conservation responsibilities helps establish the framework for coordinated efforts between state and central agencies.
Accordingly, the conservation, protection, and major developmental interventions at these sites are being undertaken by the ASI. This partnership approach to Kashmir heritage conservation ensures that both technical expertise and financial resources are optimally utilized for preserving the region’s rich cultural legacy.
Tourist Infrastructure Development at Parihaspora
While the ASI handles primary conservation work, the state government has taken complementary initiatives for Kashmir heritage conservation focused on visitor experience. The Chief Minister revealed that the J&K Tourism Department has constructed a tourist cafeteria at Parihaspora to provide basic amenities to visitors.
This facility represents an important step in promoting Kashmir heritage conservation alongside tourism development. Omar announced that the cafeteria will be further renovated and upgraded to enhance service delivery, demonstrating the government’s commitment to creating world-class tourist infrastructure at heritage sites.
Goverdhan Parihaspora Protection Measures
Providing specific details about Kashmir heritage conservation initiatives, the Chief Minister stated that Goverdhan, Parihaspora is a State Protected Monument. Protection measures, including the installation of chain-link fencing around the monument, have been completed during FY 2024-25 under the Capex Budget.
This Kashmir heritage conservation project was executed at an estimated cost of Rs. 39.89 lakh. The fencing installation represents a crucial step in preventing unauthorized access and protecting the monument from potential damage, ensuring its preservation for future generations.
Divar Yakhmanpora Archaeological Excavation
The Chief Minister informed the House about another significant Kashmir heritage conservation site at Divar Yakhmanpora, Parihaspora, which has been declared a State Protected Monument. The site comprises an ancient temple complex that is currently under excavation.
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This ongoing archaeological work at Divar Yakhmanpora demonstrates the multi-faceted approach to Kashmir heritage conservation, where protection measures are combined with scientific research to uncover and understand the region’s historical treasures. The excavation could potentially yield valuable insights into Kashmir’s ancient civilization.
Major Restoration Work at Pattan Heritage Site
Significant progress has been made in Kashmir heritage conservation efforts at Pattan, where a heritage site comprising a temple and spring near Sukh Nag was declared a State Protected Monument in 2019. This declaration marked a formal recognition of the site’s historical and cultural importance.
Restoration and development works at the Sukh Nag Spring and Temple have been undertaken during FY 2024-25 at an estimated cost of Rs. 229.92 lakh. This substantial investment in Kashmir heritage conservation at Pattan reflects the government’s commitment to restoring major heritage sites. The Chief Minister confirmed that the site has been completely restored and is now being maintained by the department.
Comprehensive Restoration at Sukh Nag
The restoration work at Sukh Nag represents one of the most significant Kashmir heritage conservation projects undertaken by the state government. With an allocation exceeding Rs. 2.29 crore, this project demonstrates the scale of commitment to preserving Kashmir’s cultural heritage.
The complete restoration of this site, combining both the temple and spring components, ensures that this important Kashmir heritage conservation landmark can now be properly maintained and appreciated by visitors and researchers alike.
Tappar Heritage Site Under Central Control
Regarding Tappar, the Chief Minister clarified the administrative arrangements for this important Kashmir heritage conservation location. The Tappar Heritage Site is a Centrally Protected Monument under the administrative control of the Archaeological Survey of India.
Given this central jurisdiction over Kashmir heritage conservation at Tappar, the Chief Minister stated that no initiative has been taken by the state department at this site. This clarification helps establish clear responsibilities and avoids duplication of efforts in heritage conservation work.
Integrated Approach to Heritage Tourism
The Chief Minister’s detailed response demonstrates an integrated approach to Kashmir heritage conservation that combines protection, restoration, tourism infrastructure development, and maintenance. By working in coordination with the ASI while taking independent initiatives where appropriate, the state government is ensuring comprehensive care for Kashmir’s heritage sites.
Future Plans and Ongoing Commitment
The government’s substantial financial allocations for Kashmir heritage conservation, totaling over Rs. 2.69 crore across multiple sites in the current financial year, underscore its serious commitment to preserving cultural heritage. The planned upgrades to tourist facilities indicate that conservation efforts will continue to be paired with tourism development, creating sustainable models for heritage preservation that benefit both cultural preservation and economic development in the region.
