The ASI Jammu and Kashmir monuments conservation programme is progressing steadily, with the Archaeological Survey of India undertaking restoration and redevelopment work at 56 centrally protected heritage sites across the Union Territory.
POONCH MIRROR NEWS DESK FEBRUARY 13,2026
The Central government has informed the Rajya Sabha that the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is carrying out regular conservation, restoration and redevelopment works at 56 centrally protected monuments in Jammu and Kashmir, with a target to complete integrated development projects at these sites during the 2025–26 financial year.
In a written reply to an unstarred question raised by MP Satya Pal Sharma, Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat told the Rajya Sabha that the ASI is undertaking repairs, restoration and structural strengthening of monuments across the Union Territory in accordance with site-specific requirements and the availability of resources.
The minister further stated that advanced documentation and survey technologies have been proposed for selected heritage sites, including the Group of Temples at Naranag, the Martand Sun Temple, and the ancient temple at Buniar. These include LiDAR mapping, GIS-based documentation and drone surveys to support future conservation planning.
According to the reply, the ASI has formulated a phased, integrated development plan for select monuments in Jammu and Kashmir, placing emphasis on heritage conservation, visitor amenities and public awareness initiatives.
For the financial year 2025–26, an allocation of ₹5.75 crore has been made for conservation and development works in Jammu and Kashmir, out of which ₹4.97 crore had been utilised as of January 27, 2026.
The House was informed that conservation activities are currently underway at several prominent monuments, including the Akhnoor Fort (Jammu), Pratap Swami Temple (Tapar, Baramulla), Avantishwara Temple (Avantipora), Hari Har Shiva Temple (Billawar), Trilochan Nath Temple (Basohli), the ancient Stupa, Monastery and Chaitya at Pruhun Vihara (Baramulla), Pari Mahal (Srinagar), Sugandesha Temple (Pattan), the Mughal arcade at Verinag, the mausoleum of Zain-ul-Abidin’s mother (Srinagar), Akhund Mulla Shah Mosque, and the Group of Temples at Naranag.
The minister added that during the current financial year, works such as pathway upgrades and installation of CCTV cameras at the Martand Sun Temple, enhancement of visitor facilities at Verinag, and upgradation of amenities at Avantipora and Ram Nagar Palace are planned to be completed.
Shekhawat also informed the House that awareness and capacity-building programmes involving local communities and educational institutions are being conducted. These initiatives, he said, have contributed to greater public awareness, promotion of tourism and strengthened efforts toward the preservation of Jammu and Kashmir’s rich cultural heritage.
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