Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday, 20 September 2026, laid the foundation stones for two major heritage conservation projects in Samba district, earmarking a combined ₹14 crore for the restoration of the ancient Purmandal complex and the sacred Uttervehini site. The initiative marks one of the most significant heritage investment drives undertaken in the Jammu region in recent years.

What the Projects Cover

The first project, worth ₹7.15 crore, targets the renovation, restoration and revival of the ancient heritage of Purmandal in Samba district. The second, valued at ₹6.85 crore, covers renovation, restoration and related development works at the Uttervehini sacred site, also in Samba district.

Structures slated for restoration include the old Lakshmi Narayan Temple, the old Shiva Temple, the old Ram Temple at Purmandal, and the historic temple complexes at Uttervehini. The L-G stated that the work would employ a blend of modern conservation techniques and traditional architectural aesthetics.

L-G Sinha's Key Remarks

Addressing the gathering, L-G Sinha framed the initiative as far more than an infrastructure exercise. 'A nation that forgets its heritage loses its foundation. But a nation that respects, preserves and revives its roots ensures that its future generations stand with confidence, resilience, self-belief and a strong sense of identity,' he said.

He described Purmandal — blessed by the sacred Devika River — as a site visited by saints, sages and spiritual seekers for centuries, whose ancient temples, stone carvings, sacred ponds and historical structures reflect outstanding architectural and artistic achievement, much of which had been eroded by time and neglect.

Tourism, Economy and Connectivity

The L-G underlined that restored sites would position Jammu and Kashmir as a leading destination for spiritual and cultural tourism. Improved infrastructure, pathways and lighting, he said, would create convenient linkages for pilgrims visiting Mata Vaishno Devi, Shiv Khori, the Raghunath Temple and Baba Amarnath, while enabling easier access to the spiritual tranquillity of 'Chhoti Kashi.'

He highlighted the economic multiplier effect, noting that heritage tourism would benefit local handicrafts, hospitality, homestays, transport and food establishments, generating livelihood opportunities for youth and new markets for artisans and small entrepreneurs. He reiterated his commitment to strengthen road connectivity to both Purmandal and Uttervehini.

Mata Devika Ved Pathshala and Other Announcements

L-G Sinha appreciated the efforts of the District Administration, Samba, in providing land for the establishment of the Mata Devika Ved Pathshala in Purmandal. He announced that funds for the construction of the Ved Pathshala will be sanctioned shortly through the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board. On the occasion, he also launched the GCC Gurha Slathia magazine.

The ceremony was attended by Chander Prakash Ganga, Member of Legislative Assembly from Vijaypur; Brij Mohan Sharma, Principal Secretary, Culture Department; Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner Jammu; Tejinder Singh, IGP Jammu; Ayushi Sudan, Deputy Commissioner Samba; and several senior officials, religious heads and prominent citizens.

Broader Significance

This comes amid a wider push by the J&K administration to diversify the region's tourism profile beyond the Kashmir Valley, anchoring Jammu's identity as a spiritual and cultural hub. Notably, the initiative connects heritage conservation directly to livelihood generation — a dual strategy that analysts say could attract central funding under broader cultural and tourism schemes.

With foundation stones now laid, execution timelines and tendering processes will be closely watched by local communities and the heritage conservation sector alike.