Jammu, Mar 9: In order to fillip heritage tourism in Jammu and Kashmir, the state Government has declared 106 monuments as protected sites in the state.
 “As many as 106 ancient monuments have been declared as protected sites in Jammu and Kashmir, where focus will now be development of the heritage tourism”, Tourism Minister Nawag Rigzin Jora told PTI.
 Out of these, 69 are being looked after by the Archaeology Survey of India (ASI), while 37 are under the state archaeology Department, he said.
 “We have held discussions on the measures and strategies required for preserving the heritage of the state, distinguishing them in tangible, intangible and natural sites”, Jora said
 He asked the officers to ensure access to civic amenities like toilet, parking and allied facilities at each such site for the convenience of the visitors.
 There is a need to identify the nature of encroachments on the sites, the minister said adding that such actions should be reported to the deputy commissioners who would take action against the encroaching elements.

GK ADDS FROM SRINAGAR:
 Talking to Greater Kashmir, the deputy director State Archaeology department, Shafi Zahid said, “The ancient monuments are protected by centre and state government. We have nothing do with monuments protected by centre. He said of total 106 monuments 37 come under our state department.”
 He said of 37 ancient monuments belonging to the period of 1st century to 15th century, 19 were in Kashmir and 18 were in Jammu.
 He said the protected monuments in Kashmir by State Archaeology Department were Hariparbhat, Madeen Sahib in Sher-i-Khas, Parihaspora, Badshah Tomb opposite SKIMS, Soura discovered in 2006, Ibrahim Sahib shrine alias Thak Bab Sahib in Safakadal, Old Ceremonial in Old secretariat, Mamleshwar Temple in Pahalgam, Kohinoor, Hatmoora, Kothari and Magal Hamam in Islamabad, Narastan Tral, Ikh Much Linga in Varmul, Ashrat Nar Yarikha in Budgam, Ancient Temple in Manasbal Sonawari and ruins of temples in Ferozpora Drung Tangmarg.

Lastupdate on : Tue, 9 Mar 2010 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Tue, 9 Mar 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 IST