Revival of religious heritage: DC Srinagar initiates restoration works on historic sites

In a significant move to revive and preserve religious places and heritage sites that suffered neglect due to ongoing terrorism in Kashmir, the Jammu and Kashmir government is set to embark on a restoration journey. The Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Srinagar, Dr. Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat, took a proactive step in this direction by visiting various religious and heritage sites in the district today.

Accompanied by senior officers from the District Administration, the DC undertook a site visit to assess the restoration, revival, preservation, and maintenance works on the architecture and heritage of religious places and assets in the district.

The visit included Makdoom Mandal near the Shrine of Makdoom Sahib RA, Ganpatiyar Temple, and Soumyaar Temple, all of which are being preserved as heritage monuments.
Emphasizing the need for a coordinated approach to ensure the timely completion of these projects, the Deputy Commissioner stressed the significance of reviving and preserving religious places and heritage sites with historical, cultural, and religious importance. The projects aim to reflect the representation of every community and section of the cultural society.

“The conservation efforts must retain the aesthetic, historic, and social values of our great civilizational and cultural legacy,” said the DC, underscoring the importance of maintaining the authenticity and significance of these religious and heritage sites.

Dr. Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat urged the officers of the line departments to ensure transparency and effective onsite monitoring of the projects. He also emphasized the adoption of value-based methodologies and an integrated approach to efficiently complete the conservation projects.

The initiative marks a crucial step towards preserving the rich cultural and religious heritage of Kashmir that has faced challenges over the decades