SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Saturday laid the foundation stone for the restoration of the historic Vittal Bhairav Temple at Motiyar in Rainawari, Srinagar, under a heritage conservation initiative estimated to cost Rs 2.84 crore.
The project aims to preserve the temple’s historical, religious and cultural significance and restore its architectural features.
During the visit, Dulloo reviewed the proposed restoration work and directed officials to expedite its execution while adhering to prescribed timelines and quality standards.
He said the project was intended to revive the temple’s heritage value and preserve its architectural and cultural features for future generations. He also highlighted the importance of conserving sites associated with Kashmir’s diverse cultural traditions.
The temple restoration project is part of the government’s efforts to preserve heritage structures and recognise their historical and cultural significance.
Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Akshay Labroo, Srinagar Municipal Corporation Commissioner Dr Basharat Qayoom, Director Archives and representatives of the Kashmiri Pandit community were present at the foundation-laying ceremony.
Additional Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Mir Imtiyaz Ul Aziz, Chief Planning Officer Fayaz Ahmad Dar, SMC Joint Commissioners Syed Abu Qasim and Nuzhat Qureshi, Superintending Engineer Roads and Buildings Tatheer Manzoor, and officials from the R&B, Public Health Engineering, Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited, police and revenue departments also attended.
