Srinagar: In absence of proper supervision, monuments in Valley are falling prey to encroachments and are at the danger of ruin.
Kashmir and Kargil is having 55 monuments controlled by Archeological Survey of India (ASI) while the main office of ASI is at Jammu to supervise just 15 monuments.
Sources told KNS, the number of monuments controlled by ASI in winter capital compromises district Jammu 2, Kathua 5 and Udhampur 8, making the total number just 15 in the Jammu province. It is four times bigger in Kashmir compromising district Srinagar 16, Pulwama 11, Anantnag 4, Baramulla 10, Budgam 1,Kargil 2 and Leh 11, making it 55 in toto.
Sources said that during the turmoil that stated in 1990, like other establishments, the office of ASI was shifted from Srinagar to Jammu. “The ASI had its permanent office at Mantoo House Rajbagh here. The nucleus staff representing the ASI here is presently housed in the new and permanent complex of ASI at Lal Mandi,” said sources, adding, “Since there is no permanent office in Jammu, the office has been always on wheels having its short stay in Luthra Building, then in Channi and presently in 141 A/D.”
They said that the because of shifting of the office the monuments in Kashmir have suffered a lot in absence of supervision.
A senior official of ASI requesting anonymity said: “It is irony that the office has taken shelter at a place where the monuments are petty 5 against 55 in its original place of seat. The government has allowed this issue to freeze as an unnoticed item.”
He said that monuments in Srinagar wear a deserted look and some vested interests enjoy a field day to encroach land of some monuments or even to decamp what they could lay hands on.
Sources said that loot of terracotta tiles in Burzahama is affairs within the notice of higher ups who have choose to act as mute spectators.
An official said the ASI should permanently shift its office to Srinagar so that the better care could be taken of the historical monuments in Kashmir and Ladakh.
Citing the example of Naagarnagar and Pather Masjid in the old city, he said, a number of historical sites and monuments were encroached upon by people which damaged these sites. “With arrogance and ignorance, we have lost the heritage which we were known for,” he added.
He said there was a huge potential for the heritage tourism and much could be done for promoting it by preserving heritage sites. (KNS)
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