Jalali Haveli, Srinagar  an architectural marvel of 1280 in Hijri, an Islamic calendar, the date translates to 1863 in the Gregorian Calendar, was constructed by a family of Persian descent.  This date is inscribed on one of the wooden beams of the architecture which was being used in Kashmir until the last century.

The Archaeological Survey of India is primarily responsible for archaeological research and the protection and preservation of India’s  cultural heritage, specifically ancient monuments and archaeological sites of national importance. It also regulates all archaeological activities within the country. Archaeological Survey of India conducts archaeological exploration, excavation and scientific  research to uncover and study India’s past.

It maintains and protects ancient monuments and archaeological sites and remains of national importance. ASI regulates all archaeological activities in India including the export of antiquities. ASI is involved in the conservation and restoration of monuments and sites to ensure their long term preservation.

UNESCO plays a key role in recognizing sites of “outstanding universal value” as world heritage sites. National Agencies like the ASI in India are responsible for identifying protection and restoration sites within their jurisdiction. International recognition organizations like UNESCO establish criteria for identifying sites of global significance.

In this connection the attention of the readers is invited to an international Magazine of Minja Yang, Director, UNESCO NEW DELHI OFFICE, February 2009 titled “DON’T TEAR IT DOWN’’ carrying the photograph of Jalali Haveli on its front page. This Magazine is the outcome of research work at the international fora from around the world gathered in March 2006 to discuss the project and to review the draft repair manual commissioned by UNESCO and prepared by the National Center for Peoples Action in disaster preparedness{NCPDP} Ahmadabad and this was followed by a UNESCO organised workshop in Srinagar in June 2007.

Also in 2007 UNESCO commissioned Randolph Langenbach of Conservationtech Consulting in the United States to prepare this publication. Prof. Langenbach, who has worked on Kashmir and traditional construction in earthquake areas for over 25 years, was asked to bring greater focus to the heritage of Kashmiri architecture and traditional construction techniques and knowledge systems.

UNESCO Magazine, DONT TEAR IT DOWN preserving the earthquake resistant Vernacular Architecture of Kashmir is the product of this work.  The main thrust of the publication and the guidelines published had been circulated widely to raise the awareness of architects, engineers and citizens at large, so that present and future generations will benefit from the knowledge of the past to make informed choices that will create a safer, as well as culturally rich, built environment.

The publication at the end also convey a vision of the cultural value of Srinagar and of Kashmir in general and thus to encourage the people of the city and the region to preserve the cultural heritage of the remarkable place for themselves, posterity and the world, the Director of UNESCO New Delhi Office, has emphasized. Mirza Haider Dughlat, Tarik-Rashidi, 16th century has also published an article titled TRADITIONAL CONSTRUCTION in the Magazine itself  in which the writer has written that in the town there are many lofty buildings constructed of fresh cut pine.

Most of those are  at least five storeys high[causing viewers to] bite the fingers of astonishment with the teeth of admiration. One such photo also exists of The Gargoo residence in Bulbul Lanker, Aali kadal, Srinagar. This house is four storeys plus attic in taq construction with it stone base and brick upper storeys. Photo by Akshay Koul.

Once the site meets the criteria and objections are addressed it is formally declared as a heritage site under relevant national or international legislation. National laws such as Indian Ancient monuments and archaeological sites and remains Act provides the legal framework for protection and preservation.

National Agencies are tasked with maintenance, protection and restoration of designated sites. By signing the convention each country pledges to conserve not only the world heritage sites situated in the territory but also protect its national heritage. The state parties are encouraged to integrate the protection of cultural and national heritage into regional planning programme, set up staff and services at their sites undertake scientific and technical conservation research and adopt measures which give this heritage a function in the day to day life of the community.

Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah in reply to a question in Legislative Assembly about the revival of heritage sites in Jammu and Kashmir stated in March 2025 which appeared in Rising Kashmir dated 21 March 2025 that under the revival of heritage sites in the state 45 heritage projects are in progress and 73 more identified under Phase II for revival restoration preservation and maintenance of architecture and heritage sites for which Rs. 400 lakh have been approved.

The CM also said that the state Government has sanctioned a scheme dedicated to revival restoration preservation and maintenance of architecture and heritage sites in the union territory. He further stated that between 2019 to 2024, 15 projects were undertaken under the capital expenditure budget, while work is in progress on 33 projects under the first phase of the Government scheme, which commenced in 2022.

Additionally seven projects at the Mubarak Mandi heritage complex are under renovation and restoration. He further stated that detailed project reports have been prepared for 73 projects covering various forts, monuments, religious places and heritage buildings under Phase II of the Government scheme. To date Rs. 86.40 crores has been utilized for CAPEX and first phase of the project.

According to the official data, a total of 128 heritage sites across Jammu and Kashmir are undergoing restoration under different schemes. These include 15 projects under CAPEX 33 projects under phase I of heritage revival scheme, 73 projects under phase II and seven projects dedicated to the restoration of the Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex in Jammu.

Projects under CAPEX Budget include Mansar Haveli, Samba RsRs. 61 lakh(19 lakh already spent]  Samba Fort, Samba Rs. 113.57 lakh [Rs. 77.91 lakh spent General Zorawar Singh Palace, Reasi- Rs. 104.92 lakh{Rs. 0.81 lakh spent} Narastahan Monument Tral Pulwama Rs.172.29 lakh{Rs. 107 .60 lakh spent} Old SPS Museum  Building Srinagar Rs. 252.40 lakhs {RS. 208.28 lakhs spent. Hari Parbat Fort, Srinagar Rs. 237.97 lakh [Rs. 155.50 lakh spent. New Museum building, Lal Mandi Srinagar Rs.7167.45 lakh {Rs. 6277.45 lakh spent] Installation of wooden racks at Shergari complex, Srinagar Rs. 39.51 lakhs[Rs. 25.25 lakhs spent] Monument conservation at Mughal Hamam, Achabal, Anantnagh  Rs. 81.60 lakh[ Rs. 35.61 spent] Establishment of New Art Museum at Old Secretariat, Srinagar  Phase II Rs. 200.98 lakh[Rs. 43.89 lakh spent]

Further projects included Protected Monuments Restoration, Pir Mitha Jammu. Rs. 89.97 lakh {Rs. 10.33 lakh spent] Shahi Masjid, Nowshera Rajouri Rs.. 13.84 lakh [ Rs. 6.78 lakh spent.  Government Parihaspora Monument, Pattan, Baralamula Rs. 39.80 lakh Sheikh Ibrahim Monument Srinagar Rs. 80.53 lakh[0 Lakh spent] It further stated that projects under the Heritage Revival Scheme[phase I and phase II] Ganpatyar Temple,Srinagar Rs. 62.64 lakh[Rs. 36.46 lakh spent] Shrine of Syed Mohammad Hussain Mazandarani, Chattabal, Srinagar-

Rs.43.44 lakh[Rs. 12.80 lakh spent]Mangleshwar Shairav Asthapan, Brari Nambal, Srinagar, Rs. 162.61 lakh[Rs. 93.54 lakh spent Ram Mandir, Safa Kadal Srinagar. Rs. 216.92 lakh[ Rs. 89.81 spent] Saint Mary;s Church, Gulmarg, Baramulla- Rs. 203.21 lakh [Rs. 35.46 spent] Keeping in view the importance of the heritage building of Jalali Haveli, in Srinagar this heritage building may also be included in the list for preservation, protection and maintenance as the roof is damaged and rain water is trickling down the floor damaging the flooring, thus it needs to be preserved for the posterity as one of the finest architectural marvels of Persian descent.

Haji Mohd Muzafar Thakur: Former State Government Officer

Email. muzafer.hsn@gmail.com. Cell number. 7006717551