The identification of 495 sites must lead to protection, restoration and public accountability, not another round of official symbolism
The identification of 495 heritage sites across Jammu and Kashmir UT deserves recognition, but not applause without caution. This is a necessary step, not a historic accomplishment. Governments are often quick to make announcements, release numbers and speak the language of preservation. The real question is whether this exercise will move beyond paperwork and publicity into serious, visible, time-bound action. Jammu and Kashmir does not suffer from a shortage of heritage. It suffers from a shortage of protection. Across the UT, priceless temples, shrines, forts, old buildings, traditional settlements and archaeological remains have long stood exposed to decay, encroachment, administrative indifference and the quiet violence of neglect. If 495 sites have now been marked, the obvious question is: what happens next? Will these places be secured, documented, restored and maintained? Or will they simply join the long list of official intentions that gather dust while history collapses in real time? The government is right in saying that heritage tourism can diversify the tourism sector. For too long, tourism planning in Jammu and Kashmir has revolved around a predictable and overused circuit. The UT has far more to offer than scenic cliches. Its real wealth lies equally in its civilisational depth, spiritual landmarks, architectural memory and cultural diversity. Properly preserved heritage sites can expand tourism, create jobs, strengthen crafts and bring economic activity to lesser-known areas. But none of this will happen through tokenism. Heritage cannot be treated as a tourism product alone. It is not a decorative asset to be polished for visitors while its historical meaning is hollowed out. Preservation must begin with respect, not marketing. The aim should not be to commercialise memory, but to protect it. Heritage in Jammu and Kashmir has waited long enough. It now needs protection, not pronouncements.