JK approves Rs 10 crore for Rattan Garh Fort restoration in Doda

The Jammu and Kashmir government's approval of Rs 10 crore for the restoration of the historic Rattan Garh Fort in Doda district has been welcomed by locals, who termed it a major step towards preserving the region's heritage and boosting tourism.

The Omar Abdullah-led government approved the funds for the repair and renovation of the fort on Sunday, aimed at conserving the structure, improving its condition and developing it as a heritage and tourism attraction, officials said.

Built in 1733, Rattan Garh Fort has evolved from a royal stronghold into a prison over the centuries and remains one of the most significant historical landmarks in the Bhaderwah valley of the Chenab region.

The restoration will help safeguard the fort's architectural and historical character while creating better facilities for visitors, officials said.

Mohit Kotwal, a scholar of Bhaderwah's history and culture, said there were once six other forts in the Bhaderwah valley — Chattargarh, Chinal-Garh, Hirot-Garh, Atal-Garh, Tilak Garh and Rahie-Garh — but today only Rattan Garh Fort remains. He said the fort, built by Raja Sampat Pal, is an important part of the region's heritage, and its restoration would help preserve its architectural and historical character while providing better facilities for visitors.

Rashid Choudhary, a tourism strategist from Bhaderwah, said the restoration would give the tourism industry in the region a much-needed boost. "This is certainly a welcome step by the government, as lakhs of tourists visit Bhaderwah every year, with many showing keen interest in exploring its heritage sites and historical monuments. The restoration of Rattan Garh will further boost tourism in the region," Choudhary said.

An official spokesman said the initiative forms part of the government's broader focus on preserving Jammu and Kashmir's cultural and architectural heritage and developing heritage sites as tourism destinations.

He said the fort is among the historic sites associated with Bhaderwah's heritage, an area known for its distinctive cultural traditions, historic architecture and scenic landscape. Its restoration is expected to add a significant heritage dimension to Bhaderwah's tourism circuit and contribute to increased visitor footfall and local economic activity, the spokesman said.

He added that the government has in recent months undertaken and approved several initiatives for the preservation and development of heritage assets across Jammu and Kashmir, with an emphasis on restoring historically significant structures and integrating them into the broader tourism economy.

(Inputs from PTI)