The Jammu Kashmir Government has sanctioned over ₹17 crore for the renovation and restoration of 17 temples and shrines in the districts of Anantnag and Pulwama, many of which sustained extensive damage during years of turmoil.
The Directorate of Archives, Archaeology, and Museums recently granted administrative approval for these projects based on recommendations from the respective Deputy Commissioners of the two districts.
In Anantnag district, significant allocations include ₹1.07 crore for the ancient Mamaleshwar Temple in Pahalgam, ₹1.60 crore for the Shiva Bhagwati Temple in Akingam, ₹77.67 lakh for the Gauri Shankar Temple in Pahalgam, and ₹92.95 lakh for the Papran Naag Shrine in Salia.
The Mata Ragnya Bhagwati Shrine in Khiram will see renovations with an allocation of ₹46.69 lakh, while ₹3.25 crore has been earmarked for the reconstruction of the Kheerbhawani Temple at Logripora Ashmuqam.
For the Lokbhawan Larkipora shrine, which was razed to the ground during the conflict, ₹3.21 crore has been sanctioned.
In Pulwama district, ₹4.09 crore has been approved for the revival and preservation of the Neolithic site at Gufkral, while the Shree Shideshwar Temple at Drangbal Pampore will undergo repairs with ₹28.34 lakh.
Additionally, ₹38.82 lakh has been allocated for the Shiv Temple at Drangbal Pampore, and ₹12.70 lakh has been sanctioned for constructing a temple in Middora, Awantipora.
These restoration efforts have been long awaited by the Kashmiri Pandit community, whose mass exodus in 1989-90 left many of these religious sites abandoned and in disrepair.
However, the recent allocations have also sparked concerns among some community members over the exclusion of several significant sites.
The Ganesh Shiv Shakti Asthapan Committee in Akura, Anantnag, expressed disappointment that their shrine was not included despite recommendations from the District Development Commissioner.
Similarly, the Swami Mirzakak Trust in Hangalgund, Anantnag, has appealed for funding for the development of the Swami Mirzakak Temple and Dharmshala.
The Kashmiri Pandit community has also demanded the renovation of other important sites, such as the Kheer Bhawani Shrine in Ranipora, Chandika Devi Temple in Sagam, and Prakash Ram Shrine in Kurigam, Kulgam.
They have called for a more inclusive approach to ensure the preservation of Kashmir’s cultural and religious heritage.
While the government’s recent initiatives mark a significant step toward addressing the grievances of the displaced community, the demands for broader inclusion highlight the need for equitable allocation of resources to preserve the region’s rich historical and spiritual legacy.