Rs 5.75 cr allocated for 2025-26
*Works underway at Akhnoor Fort, Martand, Pari Mahal, Naranag
Govind Sharma
JAMMU, Feb 12: 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 & Kashmir, with integrated development works planned for completion during 2025-26.
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Replying to an Unstarred Question raised by Member of Parliament Sat Paul Sharma in the Rajya Sabha, Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said ASI is carrying out repair, restoration and structural stabilization works at monuments across J&K based on requirement and availability of resources.
The Minister informed that 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 Martand and the Ancient Temple at Buniyar to facilitate detailed documentation and future conservation planning.
He further stated that ASI has proposed integrated and phased development of selected heritage sites in J&K with emphasis on conservation, visitor amenities and heritage awareness.
For the financial year 2025-26, an allocation of Rs 5.75 crore has been made for conservation and development works in J&K, out of which Rs 4.97 crore has been spent till January 27, 2026.
According to the details placed in the House, conservation works are underway at key monuments including Akhnoor Fort (Jammu), Pratapswamin Temple (Tapper, Baramulla) Avantisvara Temple (Avantipur), Hari Hara Shiva Temple (Billawar), Trilochan Nath Temple (Basholi), Ancient Stupa, Monastery & Chaitya (Parihaspora, Baramulla), Pari Mahal (Srinagar), Sugandesha Temple (Pattan), Mughal Arcade Verinag, Zaina-ul-Abidin’s Mother’s Tomb (Srinagar), Akhoon Mulla Shah Mosque and Group of Temples at Naranag.
Development works such as pathway upgradation and installation of CCTV cameras at Martand Temple, visitor amenities at Verinag and upgradation of facilities at Avantipur and Ramnagar Palace are also planned for completion this fiscal.
The Minister added that awareness and capacity-building programmes involving local communities and educational institutions are being conducted, which have enhanced public awareness, promoted tourism and strengthened preservation of J&K’s rich cultural heritage.
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