(a) whether a number of precious artefacts have been destroyed during the recent floods in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K);
(b) whether the Government has sent any team to assess the damage;
(c) if so, the details thereof and the steps taken by the Government to preserve the antique in the valley; and
(d) the funds allocated by the Government in this regard?
MINISTER OF STATE, CULTURE AND TOURISM (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) AND MINISTER OF STATE, CIVIL AVIATION (Dr. MAHESH SHARMA)
(a) Yes Madam, some of the priceless artefacts of SPS Museum, Srinagar and J&K Academy of Art culture and Language, Srinagar have been affected during the recent floods in the J&K. However, no artefacts from Centrally Protected Monuments have been destroyed during the flood.
(b)&(c) Yes Madam, two teams of experts from National Museum, New Delhi and NRLC Lucknow to assess the damages and to guide the State Government in the conservation work were deputed to visit J&K. Reports of two teams have been received.
(d) No funds are allocated by the Government so far.