Cracking the heritage code

Dilip Cherian India's 'Image Guru' and a diehard observer of the capital feels our glorious heritage is still under attack from votaries of 'development'

Cracking the heritage code

Dilip Cherian India's 'Image Guru' and a diehard observer of the capital feels our glorious heritage is still under attack from votaries of 'development'

Colours of change: The medieval observatory monument, Jantar Mantar, was repainted in pristine white, a hue in stark contrast to the original sandstone tone
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Crawford Market Rs 28-crore restoration plan submitted by conservation architect Abha Narain Lambah

A Rs 28-crore restoration plan submitted by conservation architect Abha Narain Lambah is hanging in limbo, and some worry that the battle may be lost. The Congress government will be worried after the elections, experts wish.

BMC chief Jairaj Phatak raised the issue of redevelop-ment and promptly set off a furious debate with conservationists. Local MP Milind Deora is supporting the heritage activists' demand to preserve Crawford Market.

Several Mumbai architects, however, hold that heritage should not hinder develop-ment and have suggested that Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus and Colaba be dropped from the list of heritage sites.

u00a0Dilli raised its eyebrows when the authorities decided to 'revamp' the protected site Jantar Mantar. Their plan is to repaint the medieval observatory monument in its original pristine white hue from the current sandstone tone. Activists have a reason to be sceptical, given that the negligence of the Archaeological Survey of India recently led to a private builder demolishing a portion of the 13th century Lal Mahal.

Some other "development" projects, including the re-development of Connaught Place, have run into trouble with the government's old nemesis, the Delhi Urban Arts Commission. The debate is unlikely to die down soon. Hopefully, after the election wars, "heritage" will win a few battles too.

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