The National Monuments Authority (NMA) chairman Tarun Vijay surveyed Hindu, Buddhist monument sites of Kashmir on Friday (November 28). He said Jammu and Kashmir is sitting on a treasure of a world-class heritage site.
The National Monuments Authority (NMA) has conducted a detailed survey of the Kashmir Valley's important Hindu and Buddhist Monument sites.
The survey was carried out by the National Monuments Authority (NMA) Chairman Tarun Vijay and the officials of the Directorate of Archives, Archaeology and Museums, Government of Jammu and Kashmir.
Vijay did an extensive tour of the Hindu and Buddhist temples and monument sites like Rainawari, Martand Temple, Awantipora, Harvan Buddhist site, Parihaspura, Pattan, the Naranag group of temples and other sites in Srinagar, including Shri Pratap Singh Museum.
During the survey, Tarun Vijay said, "This, first of its kind, exercise in Kashmir valley is result of Hon'ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision to revive and restore the cultural glory of J&K while promoting the spirit of 'Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat'." He also said that immediate steps need to be taken to conserve and preserve these monuments.
While highlighting several heritage sites across Jammu and Kashmir, Vijay said NMA is preparing a well-crafted plan to achieve UNESCO World Heritage Site status for several monuments.
"Martand, Parihaspora, Naranag and Harwan are among the major sites which deserve the status of UNESCO World Heritage sites."
"Jammu and Kashmir is sitting on a treasure of world class heritage sites and the NMA will work hand in hand with J&K Government and ASI to ensure that these sites are taken up in tentative list of World Heritage sites and consequently into UNESCO list of the World Heritage sites," Vijay said.
Vijay also appreciated the efforts of Lieutenant Governor Sh. Manoj Sinha has infused new enthusiasm among officers to protect heritage and started a new campaign to protect cultural heritage in Jammu and Kashmir.
He also applauded the efforts of central and local officers who have worked hard despite several challenges. He added that special certificates of honour would be given to them for their dedicated services in preserving these rich cultural treasures.
While acknowledging the work of ASI officers, Vijay said that ASI has registered over 19 cases of encroachment and violation of the law against the encroachers in Naranag only.
During his survey of Rainawari's ancient Vitaal Bhairav Temple, Vijay asked the officials that the process should be initiated to list the site on the Central and local ASI list.
Tarun Vijay also asked the officers that adequate staff be deployed for upkeep and protection of these cultural heritage treasures, and in coming days proper budget and funds will be allocated for same.
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