Initiatives to preserve J&K’s rich cultural legacy, promote heritage-led tourism
Srinagar: The Government of Jammu & Kashmir has approved three major heritage conservation projects worth ₹18.60 crore, aimed at restoring historically and culturally significant sites and strengthening the region’s heritage tourism potential.
The approved projects include restoration and revival of old heritage structures at Uttervehini Heritage in Samba at a cost of ₹6.86 crore; repair, renovation and beautification of the historic Basohli Fort in Kathua at a cost of ₹6.50 crore; and revival and restoration of the Yatri Niwas besides beautification of the historic Nallah Soundbrari Spring in Anantnag at a cost of ₹5.24 crore.
The initiatives are part of the Government’s broader efforts, under the leadership of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, to conserve, revitalise and promote Jammu & Kashmir’s historically and culturally significant sites.
The projects are aimed not only at preserving the architectural and cultural legacy of the region but also at opening new avenues for heritage-led tourism, thereby contributing to local economic activity and strengthening the tourism ecosystem across both Jammu and Kashmir divisions.
In recent months, the Government has approved a series of heritage conservation initiatives covering a diverse range of historic, religious and cultural sites across Jammu & Kashmir. These include the comprehensive development of the historic Gurudwara Charan Kamal Sahib at Bakhta in Kathua district; comprehensive restoration and preservation of the historic Lah WaliBowli in Rajouri; and repair and renovation of the historic Rattan Garh Fort in Bhaderwah, Doda.
Other approved initiatives include the restoration and renovation of ZiyaratShariefKhiram; repair and renovation of the historic Shiv Mandir at Thajiwara, Bijbehara; and restoration and revival of the historic heritage site of Purmandal in Samba. In Kashmir, the Government has also approved the conservation and upgradation of the historic ImambaraZadibal in Srinagar, development of the revered holy spring of Khoo Sahib at Yarwan in Pulwama, restoration of the historic Jamia Masjid Sharief in Shopian, and restoration of the revered SarvadharChaumanda Mata Mandir in Ramban.
The Government’s heritage conservation programme seeks to preserve the architectural legacy of Jammu & Kashmir while integrating heritage sites into the region’s broader tourism and cultural development framework.
