The ‘World Heritage Site’ title of Jammu and Kashmir’s capital, Srinagar, is now in danger. In a survey conducted by the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), it has been found out that during the last two decades, around 42 historical sites in Srinagar have been destroyed. Back in 200, there were 349 historical sites in Srinagar in all, which have reduced to 307 in 2022.
INTACH President, Muhammad Salim Beg has said that in two decades, 12% of the sites have been destroyed, while 6% turned into ruins. He added that recently, they had conducted another survey under the smart city project, and it was found out that as per the 2003 list, 51% of the sites are in a dilapidated condition.
The ownership of many old havelis and buildings are still with the families associated with them, and as a result, they are razing them to the ground to make new homes. Beg stated that in 2010, a law related to the protection of historical sites had been made, which was never implemented at a ground level. As a result, historical buildings were broken down. The central government has announced historical sites as ‘industries’, and a 30% allocation is made by the Centre if new projects begin at these sites. Even though the Jammu and Kashmir administration did not ask the Centre for this allocation for a single historical site.
If Srinagar continues to lose its historical sites, the city can soon also lose the tag of being among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
