Jammu & Kashmir Administrative Services (JKPSC)

• 22 Mar 2025

Conservation of Heritage Sites in J&K

Why in News? 

The Jammu and Kashmir Government informed the legislative Assembly that it is actively working on 45 projects, under a scheme aimed at conserving heritage sites in the Union Territory. 

 Key Points 

• Phase-II Heritage Conservation Projects: 
  • The Jammu and Kashmir government has identified 73 additional projects under Phase-II of the UT-level scheme for heritage conservation. 
  • Between 2019 and 2024, 15 projects were undertaken under capital expenditure (CAPEX). 
    • Work is in progress on 33 projects under the first phase of the scheme, which began in 2022. 
  • Additionally, seven projects are under renovation at the Mubarak Mandi heritage complex. 
• Funding and Financial Allocation: 
  • A total of Rs 310.71 crore has been sanctioned for CAPEX and the UT-level heritage scheme covering Phases I and II. 
  • So far, Rs 86.40 crore has been utilized for CAPEX and the first phase of the projects. 
• Restoration of Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex: 
  • Rs 59.69 crore has been sanctioned for seven projects within the Mubarak Mandi heritage complex. 
  • Mubarak Mandi was the royal residence of the Dogra dynasty until 1925. It was declared a protected monument in 2005, and the Mubarak Mandi Jammu Heritage Society (MMJHS) was formed in 2006 for its preservation. 
• Heritage Conservation Strategies: 
  • The government scheme launched in 2022 focuses on value-based restoration, preservation, and promotion of Jammu and Kashmir’s architectural heritage. 
  • The Directorate of Archives, Archaeology, and Museums is ensuring legal and systematic protection for heritage sites. 
  • Regular surveys are conducted to identify historical sites for restoration. 
  • Public awareness campaigns are being organized to educate communities on heritage conservation and tourism. 
• Technology-Driven Heritage Protection: 
  • 3D mapping and digital archiving are being employed to document heritage sites. 
  • Ancient manuscripts are being digitized to create online databases for accessibility and preservation. 
• Climate and Disaster Protection Measures: 
  • Special measures are being implemented to protect heritage sites from natural disasters such as earthquakes and floods. 
  • Climate change impact assessments are being conducted for long-term conservation planning. 
  • Efforts are also underway to prevent urban encroachment and vandalism at historical sites.