During a ceremony on Sunday, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha laid the foundation stones for multiple heritage projects in Purmandal and Uttervehini, revealing a total investment of Rs 48 crore. The funding is structured in three tranches of Rs 14 crore each, with works under the first tranche already completed, the second currently in progress, and the third initiated at the event.
The restoration will encompass the old Lakshmi Narayan temple, the old Shiva temple and the old Ram temple in Purmandal, as well as the historic temple complexes at Uttervehini, employing a combination of modern conservation techniques and traditional architectural aesthetics. In addition, the district administration is upgrading basic amenities such as roads and lighting to improve access. The Lieutenant Governor also announced that funds for the construction of the Mata Devika Ved Pathshala in Purmandal would soon be sanctioned through the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board.
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Sinha described the initiative as a means to reconnect India's past with its future, stressing that preserving heritage is vital for national identity and self‑confidence. The project is expected to enhance spiritual and cultural tourism by creating linkages to major pilgrimage sites including Mata Vaishno Devi, Shiv Khori, Raghunath temple and Baba Amarnath, while also boosting the local economy through handicrafts, hospitality, transport and food services. The foundation stone ceremony was attended by senior officials such as Principal Secretary Culture Brij Mohan Sharma, Divisional Commissioner Ramesh Kumar, IGP Tejinder Singh, and representatives of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, and the LG also launched the GCC Gurha Slathia magazine.
