Srinagar/New Delhi, Feb 12: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is undertaking sustained conservation and protection measures for centrally protected monuments in Jammu & Kashmir, the Union Government informed the Rajya Sabha on Thursday.
In a written reply to an unstarred question, Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said 56 centrally protected monuments in the Union Territory are currently under the care and maintenance of the ASI. He stated that regular conservation and structural maintenance works are being carried out at these heritage sites in accordance with technical requirements and the availability of resources.
The Minister said modern documentation technologies are also being adopted for scientific conservation planning. The ASI has proposed the use of advanced tools such as LiDAR mapping, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and drone-based surveys for selected monuments, including the Group of Temples at Naranag, Sun Temple Martand and the Ancient Temple at Buniyar.
He added that an integrated and phased development plan has been proposed for selected heritage sites with a focus on conservation, enhancement of visitor amenities and strengthening heritage awareness.
For the financial year 2025-26, an allocation of ₹5.75 crore has been earmarked for conservation and development works in Jammu & Kashmir, of which ₹4.97 crore had been utilised up to January 27, 2026.
According to the Minister, conservation works are underway at several prominent monuments, including Akhnoor Fort in Jammu, Pratapswamin Temple in Baramulla, Avantisvara Temple at Avantipur, Hari Hara Shiva Temple at Billawar, Trilochan Nath Temple in Kathua, the ancient stupa, monastery and chaitya at Parihaspora, the Group of Arched Terraces at Pari Mahal in Srinagar, Sugandesha Temple in Baramulla, Mughal Arcade at Verinag, Zaina-ul-Abdin’s Mother’s Tomb in Srinagar, Akhoon Mulla Shah Mosque and the Group of Temples at Naranag.
Besides conservation, development works aimed at improving visitor facilities and site management are being taken up at monuments such as Martand Sun Temple, Mughal Arcade Verinag, Avantiswamin Temple, Hari Hara Temple Billawar and the Ancient Palace at Ramnagar. The works include the upgradation of pathways, installation of CCTV cameras, improvement of toilet blocks and ticket counters, and strengthening of protective fencing.
The Minister further said heritage awareness and capacity-building programmes are also being implemented through outreach initiatives involving local communities and educational institutions. These initiatives, he added, are helping improve public awareness, visitor engagement and tourism promotion while ensuring preservation of Jammu & Kashmir’s rich cultural heritage.
