Rs 22.72 cr allocated for conservation of protected monuments in J&K since 2023-24: Shekhawat

New Delhi, Aug 10: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has allocated Rs 22.72 crore for conservation, preservation and environmental development of protected monuments in Jammu and Kashmir during the last three financial years and the current fiscal, with Rs 20.13 crore spent so far, according to a Lok Sabha reply.
The details were provided by Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in a written reply to Lok Sabha regarding conservation of national cultural heritage under the National Culture Fund and the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958.
As per the reply, the ASI undertakes conservation and maintenance of protected monuments every year based on the requirement of monuments and availability of resources. Regular inspections are also carried out by ASI officers to assess conservation and renovation works.
According to the annexure, Jammu and Kashmir received an allocation of Rs 7.17 crore in 2023-24, against which the entire amount was spent.
In 2024-25, Rs 4.90 crore was allocated and Rs 4.89 crore was spent, while in 2025-26, Rs 5.95 crore was allocated and the entire amount was utilised.
For the current financial year 2026-27, Rs 4.70 crore has been allocated to J&K, of which Rs 2.12 crore had been spent up to August 5, 2026.
Meanwhile, the Ministry has also approved a National Culture Fund (NCF) project worth Rs 1.21 crore for development of amenities at the Shankaracharya Temple in Srinagar during 2026-27.
The project is listed under Jammu and Kashmir in the details of NCF projects for conservation, renovation and development works at ASI-protected monuments.
The government clarified that monuments and heritage sites are not protected under the National Culture Fund itself. Instead, the NCF provides financial assistance for conservation, renovation and development works at some monuments and cultural heritage sites protected by the ASI.
The Ministry further stated that ASI regularly reviews visitor facilities, digital documentation, conservation works and heritage promotion programmes at monuments under its jurisdiction across the country.
Through its field offices, ASI also organises community-driven and people-centric heritage promotion programmes, including walkthroughs, talks, drawing and painting competitions, photo exhibitions and consultative meetings with local communities and stakeholders to raise awareness about heritage protection. (KNO)