ASI moves to ticket two historic Kashmir monuments

‘To boost conservation, visitor facilities’ Srinagar, July 2: In a move aimed at strengthening the conservation of heritage sites and improving visitor amenities, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) Srinagar Circle has written to its headquarters in New Delhi seeking approval to declare two prominent monuments in Kashmir as ticketed monuments. A senior ASI official speaking on the condition of anonymity told Rising Kashmir that the Srinagar Circle has submitted a proposal to the Director General of the ASI requesting that the historic Martand Sun Temple at Mattan in Anantnag district and the Shankar Gaurishvar Temple at Pattan in Baramulla district be brought under the ticketed monument category. “We have formally requested the Director General of the ASI to notify these two monuments as ticketed sites. The proposal is currently under consideration, and we are awaiting an official response,” the official said. According to the official, bringing the two monuments under the ticketed category would enable the ASI to generate revenue that can be utilised for better conservation, maintenance and the creation of essential visitor facilities. “Once these monuments are approved as ticketed sites, it will help us strengthen their preservation. It will also allow us to develop visitor amenities such as improved pathways, signage, sanitation facilities, landscaping and other infrastructure required for heritage tourism,” the official said. At present, the Avantiswami Temple at Awantipora is the only centrally protected monument in Kashmir where ticketing is directly managed by the ASI. The ASI has also sought permission from its headquarters to bring the ticketing system of two other prominent heritage sites - Pari Mahal in Srinagar and the Mughal Arcade at Verinag under its control also. At present, the entry fee at both sites is collected by the Floriculture Department. “Pari Mahal and the Mughal Arcade at Verinag are ticketed monuments, but the entry fee is currently collected by the Floriculture Department. Since these are centrally protected monuments under the ASI, we have requested the higher authorities to allow the ASI to manage the ticket collection as well,” the official said. Officials believe that direct management of ticketing would streamline conservation efforts and ensure that revenue generated from visitors is utilised for the upkeep and enhancement of the protected monuments. According to official figures, the Archaeological Survey of India maintains 56 centrally protected monuments across the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Of these, 41 monuments are located in the Kashmir Valley, while 15 are situated in the Jammu division. The proposed move comes as the ASI continues to focus on preserving Kashmir’s rich architectural and archaeological heritage while improving facilities for the growing number of domestic and international tourists visiting the valley’s historic sites.