The approval of 281 heritage projects worth Rs 495 crore under Phase III of the Revival, Restoration, Preservation and Maintenance of Architecture and Heritage Scheme marks a historic moment in Jammu and Kashmir’s cultural journey. With 78 projects sanctioned for the Jammu division and 203 for Kashmir, the initiative underscores a renewed Governmental commitment to reclaim and safeguard the architectural soul of the Union Territory-one that reflects centuries of civilisational grandeur, artistic excellence, and spiritual harmony. Jammu and Kashmir’s landscape is a living museum. From majestic forts and royal palaces to temples, mosques and havelis, every brick and beam tells a story of valour, craftsmanship, and community. These structures, some standing resilient for over a century despite harsh weather, neglect, and conflict, embody the collective memory of the region’s glorious past. Yet, decades of apathy, unregulated urban expansion, and inadequate conservation expertise have pushed many of these priceless monuments to the brink of decay.
The Government’s phased approach to revive this cultural wealth is, therefore, both timely and visionary. Phase I and Phase II of the scheme laid the foundation for heritage renewal across districts, identifying and restoring select structures through coordinated efforts of district administrations and the Department of Archives, Archaeology, and Museums. While progress faced inevitable hurdles-ranging from limited technical manpower to cost escalations-many projects have already reached completion, and the rest are expected to be finished by March 2026. Importantly, the administration’s willingness to accommodate budget revisions for projects with cost overruns reflects pragmatic governance rather than bureaucratic rigidity.
Phase III, with a financial outlay of nearly Rs 495.31 crore, represents the most ambitious chapter yet. The District Level Coordination-cum-Implementation Committees have played a crucial role in identifying 333 proposals, of which 281 were approved after rigorous scrutiny. However, approval is only half the battle. The real challenge lies in execution with integrity and technical precision. Recognising past shortcomings-especially the “desk-based” formulation of DPRs without adequate field verification-the Executive Committee has rightly directed that on-ground assessments must become mandatory. A particularly commendable decision is the proposal to onboard the School of Architecture at SMVDU, Katra, and the School of Architecture, Planning and Geomatics at the Islamic University of Science and Technology, Awantipora, as consulting partners. This collaboration will not only ensure professional-grade DPRs but also give students hands-on exposure to heritage conservation-a vital investment in future expertise.
Given the impact of recent monsoon damages and floods, especially on fragile wooden and mud-based architecture, the next few years are crucial. Structural assessments should prioritise buildings at risk of collapse or water infiltration. In restoration, quality must take precedence over speed. The limited working window in winter zones demands careful scheduling, with realistic timelines that avoid hurried, substandard work. Equally essential is post-restoration management. Restoring monuments without long-term maintenance or a revenue model would only repeat past mistakes. The Government, district administrations and Tourism Department must work in tandem to integrate restored heritage sites into tourism circuits-thereby generating local employment, cultural awareness, and funds for upkeep. Adaptive reuse-such as converting old havelis or sarais into museums, craft centres, or cultural cafés-could ensure financial sustainability. Encroachments and unplanned constructions around heritage sites also need strict monitoring. District administrations should take a proactive role in clearing illegal structures or commercial activities that distort the character of these historic precincts. Transparency in tendering and execution, periodic audits, and community engagement will further enhance accountability.
Admittedly, reviving centuries-old architecture is an expensive and time-intensive process. Each restored fort, shrine, or haveli will stand not only as a monument of stone and wood but also as a testament to a society reclaiming its past with pride. The Government deserves genuine appreciation for institutionalising a systematic, well-funded, and technically informed framework for heritage conservation. If executed with the diligence and passion it deserves, this initiative will not only restore crumbling walls but also rebuild the bridge between history and modernity. The dream is simple yet profound-to ensure that future generations can walk through these monuments and feel the living pulse of their ancestors’ artistry, resilience, and glory once again.
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