Renovation work of historical shrines begins in Kashmir Valley

Srinagar, Feb 22 (ANI): In a bid to promote heritage tourism, authorities have begun renovation work of historical shrines and to equip tourists with better facilities in Jammu and Kashmir.

The shrine of Hazrat Sheikh Syed Abdul Qadir Jeelani, also known as the Dastgeer Sahib, which holds immense importance among Muslim devotees as well as other faiths across the country, is getting a face-lift as the renovation work is progress.

The state authorities decided to extend the area of the shrine in order to accommodate large numbers of devotees.

Kashmir Divisional Commissioner Asgar Samoon said every possible effort is being made to provide better facilities to the tourists visiting the shrine and to conserve the heritage sites.

"We are trying to protect our heritage structures, the heritage shrines in the down town areas. There are interventions at the considerable level, like the decongestion plan, second is to improve the infrastructure and to improve the quality of life of people, living in near by areas and to improve the utilities, parking facility, water supply and electricity and to extend accommodation," said Samoon.

The newly constructed walls of shrine and traditional walnut wood carving on the windows and doors have added to the elegance and grace of the edifice.

Appreciating the step taken by the state government, residents said this would help generate business opportunities for them.

"This will benefit us; people from different religions, Hindu and Muslim visit the place, so they will get facilities. The government has taken good steps by initiating the construction work and every year, devotees throng this place in huge numbers and they go back disappointed. So, this is a good step and beneficial for us," said Muzzaffer Ahmad, a resident.

The authorities would try to provide basic civic amenities like toilets and better parking facilities, at every historical site for the convenience of the visitors.

Brochures and booklets with historical background of the monuments would also be made available to the visitors, which would serve as a source of knowledge. (ANI)