Pari Mahal to Hari Parbat: J&K government to renovate 35 historical sites to promote heritage tourism

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir government has decided to restore 35 historical sites to their pristine glory this year.

This is aimed to promote heritage tourism in Jammu and Kashmir.  

Deputy Commissioners have been directed to renovate heritage sites for posterity.

Under the Scheme for Revival, Restoration, Preservation, and Maintenance of Architecture and Heritage, 35 heritage sites have been identified in Jammu and Kashmir for necessary repairs and renovation.

“This includes 17 heritage sites in the Kashmir valley and 18 in Jammu province. Funds have been released and renovation and repairing of these sites will begin soon. These will be promoted at a large scale to attract visitors,” officials said.

Prominent structures to be covered under this project include Hari Prabhat, Pari Mahal, Mughal Gardens, and other sites in north and south Kashmir.  Similarly, Krimchi Fort, Jaganoo Fort, Charai Muttal, Ladden Kotli Fort, and other historical heritage sites have been identified in Jammu for restoration.

Officials said the funds have been kept at the disposal of the Deputy Commissioners with the instruction to renovate without deviating from the original architecture of the monuments/heritage sites. 

“This will ensure that work on these heritage sites begins as soon as possible and strictly by the Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) already prepared by the Department of Archives, Archaeology, and Museums,” they said.

Deputy Commissioners as per the officials have also been instructed to make sure the Roads and Buildings Department, which will be carrying out the work, adopts the proper materials and construction techniques to preserve the monuments’ original character.

“The executing agency has also been asked to ensure submission of monthly progress report (physical/financial) by or before 5th of every month to the respective Deputy Directors of Department of Archives, Archaeology, and Museums for onward submission to the Administrative Department,” the officials said.

Pertinently, Jammu and Kashmir government 2010 declared 37 heritage sites as protected monuments to encourage pilgrim and heritage tourism. Later Jindal Foundation started the renovation of the Mughal gardens.