Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Saturday visited the ancient Vicharnag Temple—a heritage site of deep religious and cultural significance—in the Nowshera area of Srinagar. The visit aimed to assess the restoration and conservation work being undertaken as part of the government’s broader initiative to preserve Jammu & Kashmir’s rich cultural and architectural heritage.
He was accompanied by Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Akshay Labroo, and SMC Commissioner, Faz Lul Haseeb.
During the visit, the Chief Secretary formally kick-started the temple’s renovation, expressing that the project will restore the centuries-old grandeur of the sacred site, also known as Shri Vichar Sahab.
Reviewing project components on-site, Dulloo directed officials to maintain strict adherence to quality standards and ensure timely completion as per project guidelines. He stressed that the restoration will not only protect the physical structure but also revive the historical, cultural, and religious relevance of the temple, a symbol of Kashmir’s diverse heritage.
Members of the Pandit community from across the country attended the event, paying their respects and seeking blessings at the revered site.
Officials informed the Chief Secretary that the project, being executed by R&B Srinagar, is estimated at ₹4.58 crore and includes:
Conservation of the main temple structure
Earth filling to restore the original topography
Construction of a formal entry gate and toilet block
Desilting of the egress channel up to Gilsar Lake by the Irrigation & Flood Control Department
The restoration will incorporate traditional materials like lime mortar and Budloo/Fir wood, along with ornamental woodwork, stone elements, and landscape integration to preserve and enhance the temple’s original aesthetics.
The project is scheduled for completion by July 2026.
The visit was also attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Aadil Fareed, Chief Planning Officer Fayaz Ahmad Dar, and senior officers from R&B, PHE, PDD, I&FC, SMC, Police, Revenue, and other departments.