Rajan Gandhi
Heritage tourism plays a pivotal role in showcasing the cultural and historical wealth of a region, drawing both domestic and international tourists. Jammu and Kashmir, with its rich tapestry of architectural marvels, ancient temples, and palaces has immense potential to become a major heritage tourism hub akin to Rajasthan, Himachal, and other such places in the country. With proper conservation efforts adhering to global standards, adaptive reuse plans, and strategic promotion, these monuments can be transformed into world-class cultural heritage sites. Like Rajasthan, which attracts millions through its well-preserved forts, palaces, and cultural festivals, J&K can leverage its unique heritage to enhance tourism, boost the local economy, and provide livelihood opportunities. By creating immersive cultural and religious experiences, including light and sound shows, local art exhibitions, and ethnic food festivals, Jammu and Kashmir can secure a prominent place on the global heritage tourism map, ensuring sustainable development while preserving its historical legacy.
The primary tourist destinations in Kashmir, such as Srinagar, Pahalgam, Gulmarg, and Sonamarg, have already reached their peak tourist intake capacity, necessitating the development of alternative destinations to sustain and manage tourist influx. Given the NGT restrictions on further hotel and infrastructure expansion in these areas, prioritising parallel tourist destinations is essential. Similarly, Jammu faces its own challenges, with infrastructure development in Patnitop stalled due to Supreme Court and NGT rulings and restrictions on Mansar and Suriansar lakes owing to their designation as Ramsar sites and wildlife sanctuaries. Simultaneously, Jammu’s tourism sector has faced significant challenges with the shifting of the majority of pilgrim rail traffic from Jammu to Katra, bypassing Jammu city. The introduction of the Delhi-Katra Express corridor and the impending direct train connectivity to Kashmir are likely to exacerbate this trend. Pilgrims and tourists who once stopped in Jammu for overnight stays or sightseeing are now travelling directly to their destinations, reducing the economic benefits for Jammu’s hotels, restaurants, transport operators, and other local businesses. This bypassing effect has strained the city’s tourism economy, which traditionally relied on these transit visitors. To mitigate these impacts, Jammu needs to reinvent itself as a cultural and heritage tourism hub, capitalising on its historical landmarks along with promoting local festivals and crafts to attract and retain tourists.
The government recognises the potential decline in Jammu’s tourism appeal in the coming years due to shifting travel patterns and the saturation of popular tourist destinations in Kashmir. To address this, one strategy adopted is emphasis on developing alternative tourist sites. Focusing on restoring old heritage forts and religious monuments can serve as game changers for the region. With this in plan, the government has launched initiatives like the “Revival, Restoration, Preservation, and Maintenance of Architecture and Heritage in J&K” scheme. Under the broader scheme, district-level coordination committees recommended multiple projects for value-based heritage restoration, with Public Works Department supporting the execution of plans. The scheme has been introduced to address the deteriorating condition of significant shrines, temples, and heritage sites in the region. These structures hold immense cultural, religious, and historical importance, serving as symbols of identity and enlightenment. The scheme aims to safeguard this invaluable heritage by focusing on its restoration, preservation, and maintenance, ensuring its protection for future generations and reinforcing cultural and spiritual connections.
Under the guidance and supervision of the Department of Archives, Archaeology, and Museums, restoration efforts have been launched in collaboration with district administrations. In Phase I, 18 sites in Jammu Division and 17 sites in Kashmir were selected. In Jammu Division in Phase-I, Thein Fort, Basholi, Kathua; Jasmergarh Fort at Jandi, Hiranagar; Salal Fort at Batal Gala, Reasi; Bhim Garh Fort, Reasi; Mahoregarh Fort, Samba; Krimchi Fort, Udhampur; Jaganu Fort, Udhampur; and Ladden Kotli Fort, Udhampur are being restored. The forts and places, which have been restored, can transform the local tourism and socio-economic development of the respective regions. Successful national examples are the Chail Palace, which transformed Chail into a thriving tourist destination, alongside Shimla and Rajasthan forts, which transformed Rajasthan into the most favoured national and international tourist destination.
A 268 crore mega budget was assigned, and all projects received timely finances in Phase I. In Phase II, 25 additional sites in Jammu and 46 in the Kashmir Division have been selected for restoration and renovation. The Department of Archives, Archaeology, and Museums is playing a pivotal role in preserving religious and cultural legacy. The completion of these forts and temples has changed the local scenario. A visit to Mansar Haveli, Jasrota Fort, Reasi Fort, or, for that matter, any completed site is an experience in itself. Archives, Archaeology, and Museum Department has done a remarkable job in getting prepared timely DPRs and supervising the overall progress. Complementing these restoration efforts, the development of surrounding infrastructure such as parks, gardens, water bodies, hotels, and restaurants has to be prioritised. The success of Bagh-i-Bahu serves as a practical model, where tourists visiting Bahu Fort are drawn to the park, ropeway ride, and restaurants, creating a holistic and enriched tourist experience. Practically, many restored sites have the potential to be tourism magnets with immense historical significance. One among them, Ghoda Gali in the Gool area of Ramban district, has the potential to be the Rock Garden of J&K. Practically, Mansar Haveli, or, for that matter, any of the restored forts are game changers in itself. Similarly, religious places like Gurudwara Sunder Singh Jammu, Sumah Temple Akhnoor, Hanuman Temple and Jaganath Temple Kathua, and Shahi Masjid Nowshera, to name a few, have attained their past significance and glory. In Phase I of the restoration project in the Kashmir Division, sites like the Charar-i-Sharief shrine, Dia-Nag Temple in Budgam, Markazi Imambara in Budgam, Imambara at Khumani Chowk Bemina, Vasuki-Nag Temple in Wagam, Sheikh Ul Aalam Shrine in Qaimoh, Uma Bhagwati Asthpan Temple in Brari Angan, and the Ziyarat Asaar Shareef Pinjoora in Shopian have been undertaken. These restorations are of much importance keeping in view decades of neglect during militancy and subsequent migration of minorities from Kashmir.
Despite sustained efforts, challenges such as inadequate funding, encroachment on heritage sites, and a lack of public awareness still exist. Keeping in view its significance, the Archives, Archaeology, and Museums Department has to be strengthened and empowered. Despite best efforts, the development of the Batamaloo Sahib Shrine and the renovation of Jaffar Chak Masjid could not commence due to various reasons. The main issues being faced at almost every restoration site are encroachments by locals. Practically, the Archives, Archaeology, and Museum Department has no legal mandate or manpower to remove these encroachments. Exacerbating the things is the fact that the department has only 11 Chowkidars to safeguard 30-odd State Protected Monuments in Jammu and 11 at Kashmir to protect 24 such protected monuments, which is practically impossible. The net result is frequent encroachments. The department depends upon local district administration to remove these encroachments but, in certain cases, gets a meek response. Government schools have been opened in certain forts, even gym equipments installed, rooms constructed and walls erected in state-protected monuments. The district administration heads have been repeatedly reminded but no action has been taken. These official encroachments are not acceptable at all, and higher authorities must intervene and direct district administrations to ensure a proper, timely response once the things are pointed out by the Department of Archives, Archaeology, and Museums.
Practical problems are there that have to be resolved timely. Strengthening the archaeology department in the region, promoting community involvement, and integrating technology like remote sensing and 3D mapping can address these issues. Strengthening the department through adequate staffing and resources will ensure the enduring preservation of Jammu and Kashmir’s heritage for future generations. The department currently lacks dedicated architectural or civil engineering staff to prepare DPRs. Instead, all DPRs are prepared and executed by the R&B Department. Additionally, a significant number of important positions within the department have remained vacant for an extended period. As per the latest government directive, posts lying vacant for more than two years have to be surrendered as such; these positions are at risk of being abolished, further hindering the department’s functioning. The department also lacks an official vehicle for site visits, which poses another operational challenge. The government must recognise the critical role of the department and allocate adequate staff and resources to ensure its smooth functioning. Not everything can be outsourced, particularly tasks such as excavation, restoration, and conservation, which require specialised expertise and dedicated attention.
The Archives, Archaeology, and Museums Department has been diligently carrying out its responsibilities against all odds. With restoration work largely completed on most Phase-I sites, the focus should now shift toward leveraging the tourism potential of these locations. This is particularly important for sites located along the route to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrimage or other prominent tourist sites. To achieve this, it is essential to initiate the development of adequate support infrastructure, including proper approach roads, restrooms, restaurants, hotels, and transportation facilities. The tourism and district administrations should collaborate to devise a comprehensive plan for promoting these sites. Guided religious and heritage tours can be introduced to raise tourism awareness and interest.
Investing hundreds of crores in restoration will serve little purpose unless the restored structures are integrated into meaningful utilisation plans. Once the necessary infrastructure is in place, a robust national and international campaign should be launched to showcase these sites. The Archives, Archaeology, and Museums Department is doing its job judiciously, and it is now crucial for other stakeholders to work in tandem with the department to develop a sustainable religious and heritage circuit across the Kashmir and Jammu Divisions. This is not the end of restoration work. Numerous other sites like Purmandal are still waiting for the government’s attention. With proper planning and execution, these heritage forts and religious sites have the potential to transform Jammu and Kashmir into a year-round tourism destination of immense significance. Momentum of renovation and restoration has to be maintained at any cost.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
