Srinagar, July 21: At a time when the government claims to start heritage conservation on and around the Kohe-e-Mahan hill in the City, alleged encroachers have started "excavation" of the hillock which houses several historic landmarks including Mughal rampart, the Kalai and the fort atop.

The excavation
 For past few days heavy-duty excavators including JCBs have been seen excavating earth and rocks from the hillock near Sharika Devi, Hawal locality while the material is ferried elsewhere during night hours in tippers.
 The locals alleged that some land mafia wants to encroach upon the state land and utilize it for construction purpose. “The excavation has endangered the residential houses, heritage sites on the hillock including Sharika Devi temple which falls in the vicinity of the affected site,” they said.

The irony
 Pertinently the hillock encroachment has come at a time when the state government is facing severe embarrassment over the alleged neglect of the area, particularly the heritage landmarks.
 Finally to counter this all, the Tourism Minister Nawang Rigzin Jora, earlier this month announced the Centre has sanctioned Rs 50 crore for the conservation of Kalai and its interiors, which have been witnessing decay and encroachments due to continued neglect.
 While reiterating that the Kali has been declared a protected monument, Jora on July 2 said: “Rs 50 crore have been sanctioned by Central government under Naagar Nager project for the preservation of cultural heritage of Kashmir and creating heritage based infrastructure at various locations.”

Officials speak
 Despite repeated attempts the DDC Srinagar Meraj Ahmed Kakroo didn’t respond to phone calls. The SP north Shoket Shah on the other hand said he wasn’t aware of the issue. “But I will ask the concerned SHO to visit the site,” the SP said.

INTACH concerned
 Expert on heritage and former Director General Tourism Muhammad Saleem Beg while condemning the hillock excavation said the government should look into the matter on priority basis.
 “We already lost a lot through vandalization of  the historic Kalai, now this latest spell of reported encroachments may affect the conservation plans," said Beg, the state convenor of INTACH, an organization into heritage conservation
 Pertinently, Naagar Nager, was established by emperor Jalal Ud Din Muhammad Akbar in 16th century on the hillock heels.

Lastupdate on : Thu, 21 Jul 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Thu, 21 Jul 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Fri, 22 Jul 2011 00:00:00 IST