Delhi’s 1,459 heritage assets face ‘severe threat’, master plan calls for stronger conservation

Many of Delhi’s heritage buildings and monuments are under “severe threat” from encroachment, disrepair, incompatible use and insensitive reconstruction or alteration, the city’s new master plan has said, calling for greater emphasis on their conservation and regular monitoring.

The Master Plan of Delhi 2047 (MPD-2047), unveiled on Thursday, identifies 1,459 heritage assets across the capital, including World Heritage Sites, protected monuments, heritage buildings, historic precincts and cultural landscapes.

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The over 600-page document lays out a long-term framework for Delhi’s development while stressing the need to preserve its historical and cultural character. It says the city’s skyline should develop in a planned manner while “respecting the city’s historic landmarks, ceremonial avenues, heritage areas, and important view corridors”.

The plan lists ‘Enhancing Heritage, Culture and Public Spaces’ as one of its six key objectives. It seeks to protect Delhi’s heritage and cultural fabric while promoting tourism, cultural experiences and vibrant public spaces.

“Delhi is one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, with a rich cultural and historical legacy reflected in its 1,459 identified heritage assets, including World Heritage Sites, protected monuments, heritage buildings, historic precincts and cultural landscapes,” the plan says.

“Many of these heritage buildings/monuments are under severe threat due to encroachment, disrepair, incompatible use and insensitive reconstruction/alteration. There is a need for increased emphasis on conservation and monitoring of heritage assets,” it adds.To strengthen heritage management, the master plan proposes that local bodies and other concerned agencies set up “heritage cells” to monitor and manage heritage assets, identify landmark, modern and industrial heritage, delineate cultural precincts and promote related economic and cultural activities.

The heritage cells would also facilitate festivals and heritage walks, support adaptive reuse of historic structures and “set up a heritage fund” for conservation initiatives.

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The plan calls for heritage assets maintained by different agencies to be monitored on a “regular basis” to assess their condition and undertake conservation or infrastructure upgrades where necessary. Agencies have also been asked to “facilitate owners of heritage properties” in conserving their structures.

Delhi has three UNESCO World Heritage Sites — the Humayun’s Tomb complex, Red Fort complex and Qutub Minar complex — which are maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India. Several other heritage structures come under the Delhi state archaeology department and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi.

These include old havelis and British-era buildings such as the Town Hall in the Walled City. Built in the 1860s and known for its Victorian architecture, the Town Hall has suffered years of neglect and is still awaiting proper conservation.

The master plan also calls for adaptive reuse of heritage properties to prevent the “degradation and loss of heritage and historic fabric”. It says Delhi should leverage its “strong cultural capital” to boost the economy and create distinctive cultural and public spaces.

It also proposes recognising landmark buildings as modern and industrial heritage and bringing them “under the purview of conservation and cultural promotion”.

Areas with a high concentration of heritage assets have been identified as “heritage zones”, including the Walled City and Chandni Chowk, as well as areas within the Lutyens’ Bungalow Zone and Civil Lines Bungalow Area.

The plan also proposes “cultural precincts” in areas with a concentration of tangible and intangible heritage, including places with architectural, historical, cultural and natural significance. Such precincts could be identified in urban villages and the Walled City.

On conservation norms, the master plan says the heritage character and significant architectural features of buildings, “particularly the facade, shall be retained, preserved, and maintained”.

Adaptive reuse and modifications may be permitted, provided the overall historical and architectural integrity of the structure is maintained.