Historic Urban Landscape Recommendation in Indian Heritage Management Policies

ABSTRACT

This research paper explores the significance of historic urban landscapes (HUL) in the context of Indian heritage management policies. It investigates the challenges faced in preserving and managing historic urban areas and provides recommendations to enhance the integration of HUL approaches within the existing policy framework. The study draws upon a comprehensive review of scholarly articles, reports, and policy documents related to heritage management in India. The findings emphasise the need for a holistic and inclusive approach that recognises the multifaceted nature of urban heritage and fosters sustainable development while preserving historical significance. The paper offers practical recommendations for policymakers and urban planners to incorporate HUL principles into Indian heritage management policies effectively.

KEYWORDS:

• Historic Urban Landscape
• heritage management
• Indian policies
• urban planning
• sustainable development

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

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17. Government of Rajasthan, Inclusive Revitalisation of Historic Towns and Cities : Strategic Framework for Rajasthan State Heritage Programme, 2018 https://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/en/179761563443651430/pdf/Inclusive-Revitalisation-of-Historic-Towns-and-Cities-Strategic-Framework-for-Rajasthan-State-Heritage-Programme.pdf (accessed Oct 21, 2023)

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22. Heritage Cell duties include several critical responsibilities and roles. The goal is to create an urban cultural heritage inventory and database; compliance with UNESCO Walled City preservation and management regulations is essential; to define specific heritage criteria; coordination throughout preparation and execution is essential for Heritage Management Plan implementation. The job comprises finding projects and starting and guiding project development proposal preparation; to supervise historical conservation initiatives authorised by the competent governing body; to aid the heritage item’s adaptive reuse; to suggest Conservation Area infrastructure upgrades; to do a thorough assessment and create a site/building plan for any heritage asset and the designated conservation area as required by law; to solicit interest or other engagement to identify potential investors, developers, corporations, and business entities at national and international levels to preserve and adaptively repurpose heritage assets, subject to property owner consent; to preserve listed buildings, particular designs and maintenance criteria are needed. This includes monitoring height limitations and preserving façade features like unique balconies and other heritage aspects. Additionally, it is crucial to provide new designs that use suitable materials while preserving the original aesthetic; to give design feature and conservation principle requirements and establish further guidelines for these Regulations; to help the Technical Heritage Committee execute its duties.

23. Ghat is a broad flight of steps that is situated on an Indian riverbank and that provides access to the water especially for bathing or a religious ritual such as prayer, cremation, etc.

24. The Multi-Donor Trust Fund (MDTF) for Cultural Heritage and Sustainable Tourism was initiated in September 2011, with the active involvement of the governments of Italy and India.

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31. For a summary of the campaign since its inception in 2002 see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Incredible_India (accessed Oct 22, 2023)

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Aditi Sharma

Aditi Sharma is PhD research scholar at the Dept. of Architecture, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, India. She grew up in northern India, and thus has first hand experience of the rich tangible and intangible heritage of India, which sparked a particular interest in heritage management. She is also assistant professor at school of architecture and landscape design, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, Katra, J&K, India. She can be reached at [email protected]

Rawal Singh Aulakh

Dr. Rawal Singh Aulakh is an assistant Professor at Dept. of Architecture, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, India. Boasting extensive expertise in urban heritage research, he has contributed significantly through various published research papers and books, with a notable emphasis on Sikh heritage. Dr. Aulakh's specialization encompasses Architecture, Urban Histories, and Sustainable Built Environment. He can be reached at: [email protected]