Jammu, Feb 13: The Government of India has informed the Rajya Sabha that the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is undertaking regular conservation and protection of 56 Centrally Protected Monuments in Jammu and Kashmir, with integrated development works planned for completion during 2025-26.
Replying to an Unstarred Question raised by MP Sat Paul Sharma in the Rajya Sabha, Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said the ASI is carrying out repair, restoration and structural stabilisation works at monuments across J&K, depending on requirements and availability of resources.
The Minister said modern documentation tools such as LiDAR mapping, GIS and drone-based surveys have been proposed for selected heritage sites, including the Group of Temples at Naranag, Sun Temple at Martand and the Ancient Temple at Buniyar, to facilitate detailed documentation and future conservation planning.
He added that the ASI has proposed integrated and phased development of select heritage sites in J&K, with focus on conservation, visitor amenities and heritage awareness.
For the financial year 2025-26, ₹5.75 crore has been allocated for conservation and development works in J&K, of which ₹4.97 crore had been spent till January 27, 2026.
According to details placed in the House, conservation works are currently underway at key monuments including Akhnoor Fort (Jammu), Pratapswamin Temple (Tapper, Baramulla), Avantisvara Temple (Avantipur), Hari Hara Shiva Temple (Billawar), Trilochan Nath Temple (Basholi), the Ancient Stupa, Monastery and Chaitya at Parihaspora (Baramulla), Pari Mahal (Srinagar), Sugandesha Temple (Pattan), Mughal Arcade at Verinag, Zaina-ul-Abidin’s Mother’s Tomb (Srinagar), Akhoon Mulla Shah Mosque and the Group of Temples at Naranag.
Development works such as pathway upgradation and installation of CCTV cameras at Martand Temple, creation of visitor amenities at Verinag and improvement of facilities at Avantipur and Ramnagar Palace are also planned for completion during the current fiscal.
The Minister further said that awareness and capacity-building programmes involving local communities and educational institutions are being conducted to enhance public awareness, promote tourism and strengthen preservation of J&K’s rich cultural heritage. (Agencies)
