SRINAGAR: J&K Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today expressed concern over the threat posed by “abandon, vandalism and natural disasters” on the heritage sites of the Valley.
“Kashmir as a repository of ancient monuments and archaeological artifacts. The state will do whatever is possible to conserve our heritage monuments and restore these to their original glory so that these are integrated into our tourist circuit as destination sites for heritage lovers,” he said.
Addressing a function by the state chapter of Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), Sayeed expressed concern over the alarming threat posed by wanton abandon, vandalism and disasters like floods to the “priceless” heritage sites of the Valley.
The Chief Minister called for prioritizing mapping and preservation of Kashmir’s heritage, which was “precariously standing on the edge”.
“There is a need to preserve these as marks of our great historical past which are needed to be preserved for future,” he said.
Describing the old Assembly complex as a huge treasure trove that the state possesses, Sayeed asked INTACH to begin mapping of its restoration so that its conservation and preservation is taken up on priority.
“The old Assembly had a Durbar Hall akin to the House of Commons in Britain and it had one of the finest galleries of exquisite art works in the state,” he said while stressing on the need for revival of the complex.
The INTACH consultants briefed the Chief Minister about
the initiatives taken for renovation and restoration of revered Dastageer Sahab Shrine at Khanyar and the Aali Kadal Masjid at Eidgah, besides revival of three key areas along the Jhelum riverfront from Zero Bridge to Srinagar Club, Shergarhi Palace Complex and Safa Kadal Artisan Cluster.
The minister said cruises on river Jhelum were primarily aimed at promoting heritage tourism in the Valley.
The river cruises will begin from May 12 from Peerzoo Restaurant which will take tourists to heritage destinations like LD Memorial, Khanqah-e-Moula, Maharaj Gung and the Shrine of Hazrat Bul Bul Shah (RA) in the first leg, the meeting was informed.
Sayeed was also briefed about the initiatives taken by INTACH on preservation of 40 heritage structures in Bijbehera, which has been listed as a major historic town under the National Mission on Monuments and Antiquities, Union Ministry of Culture.
The proposals under consideration include conservation of Baba Naseem Shrine Complex and facade lighting of Jama Masjid, Bijbehera.
Later, the Chief Minister also viewed a presentation on the proposed tourist resort at Satwainan, Lakhanpur in Jammu, which will be spread over 67 kanals of land, ideally located across the wide expanse of the Ranjit Sagar Dam.
The resort which is expected to attract tourists from nearby states like Punjab, envisages laying of a children’s park, restaurant, dedicated food-street and tourist hutments. (AGENCIES)
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