Delhi's heritage buildings face 'severe threat', Master Plan 2047 flags

Many heritage buildings and monuments in Delhi are under “severe threat” from encroachment, disrepair, incompatible use and insensitive reconstruction or alteration, according to the city's latest master plan.

The Master Plan of Delhi 2047 (MPD-2047), unveiled on Thursday, calls for greater emphasis on the conservation and regular monitoring of such assets.

Delhi has several thousand heritage structures spanning different periods, with some listed by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the state government and local civic bodies.

“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.

“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,” the master plan says.

Heritage conservation gets a place in Delhi's 2047 vision

The over 600-page document sets out a long-term framework for Delhi's development, with heritage conservation included among its six key objectives.

Under 'Enhancing Heritage, Culture and Public Spaces', the plan seeks to protect the city's cultural fabric while creating opportunities for tourism, cultural activities and public life.

It also says Delhi's skyline should develop in a planned manner while “respecting the city's historic landmarks, ceremonial avenues, heritage areas, and important view corridors”.

Tall buildings, it adds, should complement the city's cultural and natural environment.

Heritage cells, regular monitoring proposed

The plan calls for local bodies and concerned agencies to establish “heritage cells” to monitor and manage heritage assets.

These cells would identify landmark, modern and industrial heritage, delineate cultural precincts, encourage compatible economic and cultural activities, organise festivals and heritage walks, and facilitate adaptive reuse projects.

The plan also proposes a “heritage fund” to support such initiatives.

Heritage assets maintained by different agencies would be monitored on a “regular basis” to assess their condition and determine whether conservation or infrastructure upgrades are required.

The plan also says agencies should “facilitate owners of heritage properties” in conserving their structures.

Walled City, Lutyens' zone among heritage areas

Delhi has three UNESCO World Heritage Sites — Humayun's Tomb complex, Red Fort complex and Qutub Minar complex — under the ASI.

Other listed structures include old havelis and British-era buildings under state archaeology authorities and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi. The Town Hall in the Walled City, built in the 1860s, is among the buildings that have faced years of neglect.

The MPD-2047 identifies the Walled City, including Chandni Chowk, along with parts of the Lutyens' Bungalow Zone and Civil Lines Bungalow Area as "heritage zones".

Adaptive reuse allowed with safeguards

The plan also proposes "cultural precincts" where tangible and intangible heritage are concentrated.

It allows adaptive reuse and modifications of heritage buildings, but says their historical and architectural integrity must be protected.

The heritage character and significant architectural features, "particularly the facade, shall be retained, preserved, and maintained".