Jammu & Kashmir BJP President and Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), Sat Sharma CA, sought reply on an important public-interest issue in the Rajya Sabha regarding the conservation and protection of monuments in Jammu & Kashmir, to which he received a written reply from the Union Minister of Culture and Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.
Through an unstarred question, Sat Sharma sought to know whether the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is undertaking measures for the conservation and protection of monuments in J&K and whether modern technologies such as LiDAR mapping, GIS, and drone-based surveys are being used for repair, restoration, and structural stabilization of heritage sites.
Replying to the query, the Minister informed that there are 56 Centrally Protected Monuments under the care and maintenance of ASI in Jammu & Kashmir, where regular conservation, preservation, and protection works are being carried out. He further stated that the use of modern documentation tools has been proposed for selected monuments, including the Group of Temples at Naranag, Sun Temple Martand, and the Ancient Temple at Buniyar, to ensure scientific documentation and future conservation planning
The Minister also apprised the House that ASI has proposed integrated and phased development of selected heritage sites in J&K, focusing on conservation, visitor amenities, and heritage awareness. He shared that conservation and development works at several prominent monuments are planned for completion during the financial year 2025-26, with an allocation of ₹5.75 crore, out of which ₹4.97 crore has already been spent up to 27 January 2026
As per the details enclosed by the Ministry, major sites identified for conservation and development include Akhnoor Fort, Avantisvara and Avantiswamin Temples at Avantipur, Martand Sun Temple, Pari Mahal, Mughal Arcade Verinag, Naranag Temple Complex, Parihaspora Stupa and Monastery, and several historic temples and monuments across Jammu and Kashmir
The Minister further stated that heritage awareness and capacity-building programmes are being undertaken through outreach initiatives, involvement of local communities, and educational institutions. These efforts, he noted, have resulted in enhanced public awareness, promotion of tourism, and preservation of the rich cultural heritage of Jammu & Kashmir
Sat Sharma welcomed the detailed response and reiterated that the protection and promotion of Jammu & Kashmir’s cultural and historical heritage is vital not only for preserving its civilizational legacy but also for boosting sustainable tourism and local livelihoods. He emphasized that such focused interventions by the Union Government reflect its commitment to safeguarding the heritage of the region while ensuring inclusive development.