Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today chaired a meeting on Heritage Promotion and Cultural Tourism in Jammu & Kashmir to review measures for conservation and adaptive reuse of heritage assets aimed at boosting tourism in Jammu and Kashmir.
The Chief Minister stressed the need to strengthen institutional mechanisms and develop heritage-based tourism circuits to position J&K as a premier cultural tourism destination. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah underscored the importance of learning from national and international agencies that have successfully undertaken conservation and adaptive reuse of heritage properties.
He called for structured consultations with such stakeholders to draw upon technical expertise and professional inputs for transforming heritage sites into viable tourism assets. Advocating a holistic and forward-looking approach, the Chief Minister emphasized the need to blend conservation with commercialization and community engagement.
He said that Jammu & Kashmir’s vast heritage wealth must be leveraged as a dynamic engine for tourism and economic growth, while ensuring preservation of its cultural legacy. The meeting also discussed in detail the proposed constitution of the J&K Heritage Conservation and Preservation Authority, with emphasis on strengthening its institutional capacity and ensuring effective implementation of conservation policies.
The meeting was attended by Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary Tourism and Public Works (R&B), Commissioner Secretary Information, Secretary Culture and other senior officials.
During the meeting, Secretary Culture delivered a detailed presentation highlighting the immense heritage potential of Jammu & Kashmir, encompassing both tangible and intangible assets such as monuments, forts, shrines and performing arts traditions. It was noted that despite this diversity, many heritage sites remain underutilized and are facing gradual deterioration due to limited technical expertise, fragmented institutional mechanisms and inadequate financial and policy support.
The presentation revealed that over 600 heritage sites have been identified across Jammu & Kashmir, including both protected and unlisted monuments, reflecting the vast scale of opportunity in the sector. A key focus of the presentation was the adoption of adaptive reuse models, particularly through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) frameworks.
Drawing from successful examples in states such as neighbouring state Punjab, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, it illustrated how neglected heritage structures can be transformed into vibrant cultural and tourism destinations. Projects such as Qila Mubarak (Patiala), Neemrana Fort and Orchha Fort were cited as examples where heritage hotels, museums and experiential spaces have generated revenue while preserving historical integrity.
The presentation also reviewed the existing legal and institutional framework under the J&K Heritage Conservation and Preservation Act, 2010, identifying critical gaps including the inactive status of the Heritage Conservation Authority, lack of inter-departmental coordination and outdated institutional structures, which have hindered effective conservation and promotion efforts.
To address these challenges, a reform proposal was presented, including reconstitution and strengthening of the J&K Heritage Conservation and Preservation Authority with expanded powers, revised composition and active leadership under the Chief Minister.
The proposal further emphasized integrated planning, development of heritage tourism circuits, promotion of heritage hotels through PPP mode, and strategic branding of Jammu & Kashmir as a premier cultural and wedding destination.