45-projects-underway-for-heritage-preservation-in-j-k-omar

The Jammu and Kashmir government on Thursday said that the work is ongoing on 45 projects, including forts and religious sites, as part of an initiative to conserve heritage sites in the UT.

 

Seventy-three additional projects have been identified under Phase II of the UT-level scheme for the revival, restoration, preservation, and maintenance of architecture and heritage.

 

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who is also the minister in charge of the Department of Culture, stated, that between 2019 and 2024, 15 projects were undertaken under capital expenditure (CAPEX) and work is in progress on 33 projects under the first phase of the government scheme, which began in 2022.

 

Additionally, seven projects are under renovation and restoration at the Mubarak Mandi heritage complex, the chief minister said.

 

Furthermore, detailed project reports have been prepared for 73 projects covering various forts, monuments, religious places, and heritage buildings under Phase II of the government scheme.

 

Abdullah noted that an amount of Rs 310.71 crore has been sanctioned for CAPEX and the UT-level scheme to cover the first and second phases. To date, Rs 86.40 crore has been utilised for the CAPEX and first phase of the projects.

 

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The chief minister said that several steps are being taken to conserve heritage sites, with special focus being laid on the restoration, revival, preservation, maintenance, and promotion of the heritage and architectural values of Jammu and Kashmir.

 

Legal and systematic protection is being ensured for heritage sites through the Directorate of Archives, Archaeology, and Museums, he said, adding that methodical surveys are conducted to identify historical monuments and heritage sites for necessary restoration or revival using a value-based approach.

 

The chief minister said special measures are being taken to protect sites from earthquakes, floods, and extreme weather conditions.

 

Climate change impact assessments will help in planning for long-term conservation, while efforts are being made to safeguard sites from urban encroachment and vandalism.