Calls for transforming neglected forts, shrines, properties into revenue-generating attractions
Jammu, Apr 08: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday called for a major push to turn Jammu & Kashmir’s heritage into a driver of tourism and economic growth, urging adaptive reuse of over 600 identified monuments and cultural sites across the region.
In a high-level meeting on Heritage Promotion and Cultural Tourism, CM Omar as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), stressed the need to blend conservation with commercialization and leverage public-private partnerships (PPP) to transform neglected forts, shrines and other heritage properties into revenue-generating attractions.
“J&K’s heritage is not just about history, but it is a source of livelihoods, tourism and identity. We must act now to preserve and promote it,” CM Omar said, stressing structured consultations with national and international experts to adopt best practices in adaptive reuse.
The meeting also reviewed the proposed reconstitution of the J&K Heritage Conservation and Preservation Authority, aiming to strengthen its institutional capacity, expand its powers and ensure active leadership under the Chief Minister.
Officials further highlighted that the current legal and institutional framework under the 2010 Heritage Act has been limited by inactive authorities, fragmented coordination and outdated structures.
Similarly, the Secretary Culture presented data showing that while over 600 sites have been identified, many remain underutilized and are gradually deteriorating due to technical gaps and insufficient funding. “The discussion focused on examples from Punjab, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, such as Qila Mubarak (Patiala), Neemrana Fort and Orchha Fort, where adaptive reuse has successfully turned historic structures into hotels, museums and experiential tourism spaces.”
As per the details with KNO, key proposals include developing heritage tourism circuits, promoting heritage hotels via PPP frameworks and strategic branding of J&K as a cultural and wedding destination. CM Omar also stressed that conservation should engage local communities to ensure sustainable management and economic participation.
Notably, the meeting was attended by Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretaries Dheeraj Gupta and Tourism & PWD officials, Commissioner Secretary Information, Secretary Culture and other senior officials.
