Srinagar, Sep 11: Jammu and Kashmir has a rich cultural heritage that includes ancient temples, forts, palaces, monasteries, mosques, shrines, archaeological sites, manuscripts and archival records. However, official records and departmental inspections indicate several gaps and delays in the preservation and conservation of these heritage assets.

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) currently oversees 56 centrally protected monuments in Jammu and Kashmir. The Union Ministry of Culture has stated that conservation, restoration and structural stabilization works are being carried out at these sites based on their requirements and the availability of resources.

However, the government has also indicated that modern documentation methods, including LiDAR mapping, GIS and drone surveys, have so far been proposed only for selected sites such as Naranag, Martand and Buniyar.

Concerns over documentation and preservation also extend to monuments under the J&K administration.

In June 2025, the Department of Archives, Archaeology and Museums launched a special “Mission Inspection” to review 150 ongoing works and all 54 State Protected Monuments across the Union Territory.

The inspection teams were directed to identify gaps in conservation work and examine issues such as encroachments, stalled projects, disputes, litigation and the absence of No Objection Certificates.

The scale of the inspection has also drawn attention to the effectiveness of routine monitoring mechanisms for heritage conservation projects.

Administrative delays have emerged as another challenge. In March 2026, the Directorate of Archives, Archaeology and Museums sought technically vetted Detailed Project Reports and certification that the concerned sites were free from encumbrances for projects approved under heritage conservation schemes and the 2026-27 CAPEX budget.

The correspondence indicated that some DPRs were still pending, adding another procedural hurdle before approved conservation works could move towards execution.

Staffing and institutional capacity remain areas of concern as well. A heritage-management assessment prepared for NITI Aayog had earlier highlighted the need for capacity building within the J&K Directorate of Archives, Archaeology and Museums. Departmental records have also recorded directions regarding vacant posts and the need for long-term conservation of archival records.

The condition and progress of major heritage projects further highlight the challenges associated with prolonged restoration timelines.

The Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex in Jammu, one of the most prominent symbols of Dogra heritage, has remained under restoration for several years. While work on various components has progressed, major conservation activities across the historic complex are still continuing.

The government has also issued directions at different times to accelerate restoration work and address damaged portions of the historic structures.

The official record suggests that heritage conservation in J&K faces challenges beyond simply identifying and protecting monuments. Documentation, shortage of staff, technical approvals, encumbrances, litigation, encroachments, coordination between departments and delays in project execution continue to affect conservation efforts.

While the ASI and the J&K Archives, Archaeology and Museums Department continue to undertake conservation projects, the documented gaps raise questions over whether existing monitoring and implementation mechanisms are sufficient to protect the Union Territory’s extensive and diverse cultural heritage.