Heritage sites decaying after repeated disasters

Heritage sites in the Kashmir valley are decaying due to continuous natural disasters for the past 10 years.

However, the government has failed to initiate any measures to preserve such sites.

The earthquake that shook the Valley yesterday was another reminder for the government to wake up and preserve such sites.

Experts who are involved in preserving these places said there was a need of multiple risk assessment of important monuments in Kashmir. “Earthquake was a reminder that we must take steps to protect such sites. There is a need to protect these historical places from natural disasters,” said Saleem Beg, head, INTACH Kashmir.

Though Kashmir is considered as the repository of historical sites, these places are losing their sheen and glory due to lack of preventive measures. Around 200 historic sites were damaged in the September 2014 floods and the repair work was yet to be carried out.

“Nearly 200 heritage sites were damaged in floods that hit the Valley last year. Many of these buildings were constructed during the British era. The loss to heritage sites is immense and it’s high time that the state government initiate steps to protect them,” said Beg.

The earthquake that hit the Valley yesterday affected the physical infrastructure in Kashmir. The oldest shrine, Khankah-e-Moalla, in the old city, suffered damage.

“We are slowly losing our heritage sites. The wooden work in the important shrines of Sufi saints is delicate and needs government’s attention,” said a resident of Fateh Kadal.

After the last year deluge, the INTACH had prepared a 400-page document for preserving heritage buildings in Kashmir. The document has been submitted to the state government, but the work was yet to begin.

“We made a full-fledged report and discussed it with the government. Hopefully, the work will begin soon. There is a need to look into multiple factors,” Beg maintained.

There are around two dozen heritage places in Srinagar which need immediate attention of the government. The September floods damaged a 15th century monument in old city, Mazar-e-Salateen, where king Zain-ul-Abideen, his mother Sultan Sikander, and Mirza Hyder Dughlat are buried. The flood waters damaged its remarkable architecture which was the best reminder of Shahmiri culture in Kashmir.