Umaisar Gull Ganie
Srinagar, Sep 27: Directorate of Archaeology and Museums, Jammu and Kashmir Saturday said that the government is committed to the preservation and revival of the Union Territory’s heritage and religious sites, stating that over 400 projects will be taken up in the upcoming third phase of restoration.
Director Archaeology & Museums, K.K. Sidha said that under the government’s heritage revival scheme, several prominent monuments and shrines are being restored. “The revival is not just about repairing structures but about preserving the cultural and religious sentiments associated with them,” he said.
Sidha said that the foundation of three major religious projects was laid today, including the historic Martand Temple at Mattan. “The Baba Naseeb-ud-Din Gazi shrine revival is a project of around Rs 4 crore, while the Lokbhawan shrine restoration is pegged at Rs 4.45 crore. Work at the Martand Sun Temple will also commence shortly,” he said.
He said facilities like universal accessibility, ramps and washrooms for specially-abled persons are being added in line with Supreme Court guidelines. “We are also installing solar energy facilities in shrines to make them sustainable,” he added.
The Director underlined that after years of neglect, a systematic focus is being placed on heritage. “The third phase, which is about to be approved, includes 350 to 400 sites across J&K that will be restored and revived. This is a historic step,” Sidha said.
He further said that the department has three wings—archival, archaeological and museums—and nearly 70 per cent of archival records have been digitized.
“For the first time in the history of this department and UT, excavation will also begin at Baramulla, where an ancient Buddhist site has been identified, in collaboration with the University of Kashmir,” he said.
On Museums, Sidha said the long-shut SPS Museum, which had remained non-functional since 2007, is being revived under a project of Rs 19.5 crore. He added that rare manuscripts, including the oldest Girgit manuscript, are being preserved.
Highlighting the government’s approach, the Director said that many sites in J&K showcase unique interfaith heritage. “You can see temples, Mosques and Gurdwaras in the same premises. Our revival plan will not only restore monuments but also strengthen ancestral harmony,” he said.
