J&K govt sanctions Rs 10.95 crore for preservation, upgradation of religious sites in Anantnag
Srinagar, Aug 3
The Jammu and Kashmir government said on Monday that it has approved two projects worth Rs 10.95 crore for the preservation and upgradation of important religious sites in Anantnag district.
Office of the J&K Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, said on X, "Government of Jammu & Kashmir has approved two projects worth Rs 10.95 crore for the preservation and upgradation of important religious sites in Anantnag. Rs 5.03 crore has been approved for the restoration and renovation of Ziyarat Sharief Khiram, while Rs 5.92 crore has been sanctioned for the repair and renovation of Shiv Mandir, Thajiwara, Bijbehara."
"These projects will preserve the sanctity and heritage of both religious places while improving facilities for devotees," the CMO said.
While Muslim religious sites need upgradation, it is the Hindu religious sites in the Valley whose preservation and upgradation have become a serious challenge for the authorities. The Hindu sites have been lying unattended for over 36 years after the forced exodus of the Kashmiri Pandit community due to terrorism.
The preservation of Hindu religious and cultural heritage in Kashmir involves temple restoration, legal protections against land encroachment, and community-led revival efforts.
Revival and preservation efforts include government-funded renovation projects, court-mandated safeguards for unattended sites, and the reopening of historic places of worship.
Monday's decision by the Jammu and Kashmir government to provide Rs 5.92 crore for the repair and renovation of the Shiv Mandir at Thajiwara in Bijbehara is another step towards the objective of preservation of Hindu religious sites.
The High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh ordered the administration to safeguard unattended Hindu temples and shrines from land grabbers and encroachments.
Local leadership has discussed introducing dedicated legislation to protect the properties and religious sites of the displaced community.
Dozens of long-closed sites, such as the 300-year-old Anandishar Temple in Srinagar and the Shiral Nath Temple, have resumed regular rituals and prayers.
For decades following the migration of Kashmiri Pandits in the 1990s, many local Muslim neighbours voluntarily acted as caretakers and cleaners to protect temple structures from decay.
Prominent symbols of heritage, including the newly reconstructed Sharda Temple in Kupwara, highlight ongoing efforts to reconnect with ancient traditions.
— IANS
Reader Comments
It's wonderful to see both Muslim and Hindu religious sites getting equal attention in Kashmir. This is how you build communal harmony. The 300-year-old Anandishar Temple reopening is a big deal — cultural preservation is essential for healing old wounds.
Good initiative, but 10.95 crore for two sites seems too little. There are dozens of temples and shrines across Kashmir that still need attention. The court's order about protecting unattended temples from encroachment is critical — we need stricter laws and faster action.
This is such a positive step for unity! 💙 My grandmother used to tell me stories about the sharda temple and its significance. It's heartwarming to see these sacred places being revived. Every religion's sites deserve equal care and preservation.
Appreciate the effort, but where was this urgency for the last three decades? The forced exodus of Kashmiri Pandits is a wound that won't heal with just renovation projects. The government needs to ensure these sites remain protected permanently, not just when elections are around the corner.
A balanced approach to preserving religious heritage — this is exactly what Kashmir needs. The story about local Muslims guarding temples during difficult times is touching and shows that humanity transcends religion. Hope this sets a precedent for more inclusive development.
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