What Happened
- A comprehensive Rs 210 crore conservation and transformation plan has been announced for Srinagar's walled city (Shahr-e-Khaas), aimed at restoring the heritage character of the historic downtown area while modernizing infrastructure.
- The plan includes conservation of heritage structures, restoration of iconic gateways such as Kathi Darwaza, Sangeen Darwaza, and Bacchi Darwaza, enhancement of public squares at Devi Angan, creation of green open spaces, and development of pedestrian-friendly pathways.
- Srinagar's walled city, known as Qalai Andar, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited areas in the Kashmir Valley, featuring centuries-old wooden residential architecture, historic mosques, shrines, and traditional marketplaces along the banks of the Jhelum river.
- The project is part of a larger urban revitalization initiative reviewed under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme funded by the Government of India.
- Srinagar was inducted into the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) in 2021 for crafts and folk art, and efforts are underway to seek UNESCO World Heritage status for the city's historic core.
Static Topic Bridges
Vernacular Architecture of Kashmir: Taq and Dhajji Dewari
Kashmir has two distinct traditional construction systems that are now recognized as exemplars of earthquake-resistant vernacular architecture. Taq construction uses load-bearing masonry walls with regular wooden bands (runners) at intervals that provide flexibility during seismic events. Dhajji Dewari (literally "patchwork wall") employs a timber frame densely packed with masonry infill, creating a composite wall membrane of wood and masonry. Both systems, mentioned in texts from the 12th century, represent indigenous engineering solutions perfected over centuries in one of the world's most seismically active zones.
- Taq: Load-bearing masonry piers at regular intervals, with walls of rubble stone/brick laid in thick mud mortar, laced with horizontal wooden bands
- Dhajji Dewari: Timber frame with single layer of tightly packed masonry; creates continuous wall membrane
- Both systems are earthquake-resistant -- timber components absorb seismic energy through flexible joints
- Referenced in 12th-century texts as foundational urban architecture of the Kashmir Valley
- Most residential buildings in Shahr-e-Khaas are mixed-use structures in taq or dhajji dewari style, with shops on ground floor and living quarters above
- These techniques are now studied globally as models for sustainable, disaster-resilient construction
Connection to this news: The conservation plan for Srinagar's walled city will need to preserve and restore hundreds of structures built in these traditional styles. The challenge lies in retaining architectural authenticity while upgrading infrastructure, making knowledge of taq and dhajji dewari techniques critical to the project's heritage conservation objectives.
UNESCO Creative Cities Network and Heritage Conservation
Srinagar was designated as a UNESCO Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art in November 2021, becoming the sixth Indian city to join the UNESCO Creative Cities Network after Mumbai (Film, 2019), Chennai (Music, 2017), Hyderabad (Gastronomy, 2019), Varanasi (Music, 2015), and Jaipur (Crafts and Folk Art, 2015). The UCCN aims to promote cooperation among cities that have identified creativity as a strategic factor for sustainable urban development.
- Srinagar joined UCCN: November 2021, in the Crafts and Folk Art category
- Indian cities in UCCN: Srinagar (Crafts, 2021), Jaipur (Crafts, 2015), Varanasi (Music, 2015), Chennai (Music, 2017), Mumbai (Film, 2019), Hyderabad (Gastronomy, 2019), Kozhikode (Literature, 2023)
- UCCN established: 2004; covers 7 creative fields (Crafts & Folk Art, Design, Film, Gastronomy, Literature, Media Arts, Music)
- Srinagar's traditional crafts: Papier-mache, wood carving, pashmina weaving, carpet weaving, copper work (traam), walnut wood carving
- The National Monuments Authority (NMA) has expressed intent to pursue UNESCO World Heritage status for key Kashmir heritage sites
Connection to this news: The Rs 210 crore walled city plan aligns with Srinagar's obligations as a UNESCO Creative City to promote heritage-linked sustainable development. Successful conservation of the downtown area could strengthen the case for future UNESCO World Heritage nomination of Srinagar's historic core.
Smart Cities Mission and Heritage Conservation in India
The Smart Cities Mission, launched in 2015 by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, includes heritage conservation as a core component of Area-Based Development. Srinagar was selected for the Mission with a total estimated project value of Rs 3,634 crore (Area Based Development: Rs 2,869 crore; Pan City Solutions: Rs 765 crore). As of 2025, 143 of 161 Srinagar Smart City projects have been completed, with the Shahr-e-Khaas development comprising three phases (Sections A, B, and C) reaching 85% completion.
- Smart Cities Mission launched: June 25, 2015; covers 100 cities across India
- Srinagar Smart City project approved: April 2017
- Total project value: Rs 3,634 crore (ABD: Rs 2,869 crore; Pan City: Rs 765 crore)
- Rs 792 crore spent on Smart City works in Srinagar since 2018
- Heritage initiatives: Facade restoration, riverfront development, conservation of vernacular architectural elements
- INTACH (Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage) collaborated with Srinagar Smart City Limited on conservation of colonnaded walkways, decorative pilasters, and exposed moulded brickwork
- SASCI (Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment): Central scheme providing additional funds for capital investment projects including heritage conservation
Connection to this news: The Rs 210 crore walled city conservation plan operates within the broader framework of the Smart Cities Mission and SASCI scheme, representing a targeted allocation for heritage-focused urban renewal. The integration of heritage conservation with smart infrastructure development aims to preserve Srinagar's cultural identity while improving liveability.
Key Facts & Data
- Project value: Rs 210 crore for walled city (Qalai Andar) conservation and transformation
- Key gateways under restoration: Kathi Darwaza, Sangeen Darwaza, Bacchi Darwaza
- Public space enhancement: Devi Angan
- Srinagar UNESCO Creative City designation: November 2021 (Crafts and Folk Art)
- Traditional architecture: Taq (load-bearing masonry with wooden bands) and Dhajji Dewari (timber frame with masonry infill)
- Smart City total project value: Rs 3,634 crore; 143 of 161 projects completed
- Shahr-e-Khaas (downtown): Connected to extended city through seven bridges (kadals) over the Jhelum river
- 56 Centrally Protected Monuments in J&K under ASI conservation (2025-26 allocation: Rs 5.75 crore)
- Funding source: SASCI (Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment) scheme