The urban development and heritage conundrum: the challenges of heritage conservation in the hill-station of Darjeeling

ABSTRACT

The colonial hill station of Darjeeling, in the post-independence scenario, has experienced immense urban transformation due to explosive population growth and increased tourism activities, damaging the urban character and built heritage of the town. Adaptation and implementation of the Heritage Urban Landscape approach are hindered by the town’s peculiar socio-political complications and economic limitations. The paper examines the case by analysing the narratives of 50 residents. The findings emphasize the need to manage urban development through a Master Plan, highlight the socio-cultural and economic significance of built heritage and suggests a coordinated approach to capitalize heritage for its sustained protection.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes

1. Derived from the Sanskrit word rajya, meaning ‘kingdom’, it denotes the former British rule of the Indian subcontinent.

2. A feudal landlord in British India paying the government a fixed revenue. See: Driver (1949).

3. Translated to ‘the convergence point of four roads’, it is the historical public square (formerly known as Band Stand) located on the ridge of Darjeeling hill range in the heart of the town.