The gardens likely to be nominated are Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh, Chashma Shahi, Pari Mahal in Srinagar and Achabal Bag / Verinag in Anantnag

For long, Mughal-era gardens in Kashmir have been a major attraction for tourists. Built in the 16th and 17th centuries, these gardens could soon get an all-important recognition for their long term conservation.

The J&K government has renewed its efforts to secure a spot for these celebrated gardens in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list.

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The six Mughal gardens which would be nominated are Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh, Chashma Shahi, Pari Mahal – all in Srinagar – and Achabal Bagh and Verinag in Anantnag.

An official said the state government floated the bids earlier this month and a consultant, when chosen, will require completing the preparation of the dossier in three months.

“These (heritage) sites are subjected to processes of degradation with time, which leads to a situation in which they became unable to fulfill the purpose for which they were built,” reads the bid document floated by J&K’s department of culture. “Considering the immense historical significance of these gardens, their inscription on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites will bring in a much needed international attention and appreciation to these gardens.”

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