The development work, including the construction of a tourist facilitation centre and a parking lot, is being undertaken under the Union Ministry of Tourism's PRASHAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive) scheme. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) Monday directed Goa’s tourism department to halt the excavation work for a development project in Old Goa to allow “proper documentation” after some cannonballs, believed to be from a Portuguese-era arsenal, were discovered during the process. The development work, including the construction of a tourist facilitation centre and a parking lot, is being undertaken under the Union Ministry of Tourism’s PRASHAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive) scheme. In a statement to the press, Assistant Superintending Archaeologist at ASI, Dr Kishore Raghubans, said that during clearance work, some cannonballs were discovered at the site. “Consequently, the ASI instructed the tourism department to pause work to allow proper documentation through photography, drawings and reports. This process is ongoing and is expected to take some time,” he said. On Sunday, hundreds of protesters had staged a protest in Old Goa, objecting to the large-scale felling of trees and excavation work at the site. Protesters alleged that the area was being cleared for a proposed mall project near the Basilica of Bom Jesus, which is recognised by UNESCO as a world heritage site. The protesters said that since the area in the vicinity was a heritage site and is believed to have the remains of an old Church, no construction should be permitted within 100 metres of the site. The Department of Tourism on Monday said, “No mall is being constructed in the area”. The department said the project is “designed to enhance the visitor experience while preserving the heritage significance of the area”. “Following directives from the Archaeological Survey of India, the work has been temporarily halted and will resume once clearance from ASI is received,” the department said. Director of Tourism, Kedar Naik, said: “The project focuses solely on enhancing visitor facilities, including the development of a parking area, an information centre, and improved lighting for the monument. All necessary permissions… have been duly obtained and work had commenced in accordance with the required guidelines. At present, only the site clearance process has commenced. An application for an NOC from the panchayat has been submitted and all necessary permissions will be obtained before any construction begins.” “Key developments include the construction of a parking lot, a dedicated tourist facilitation centre, and improved external lighting with streetlights in the parking area. The initiative also features monument facade illumination, e-auto services to facilitate tourist movement, along with comfortable seating arrangements and improved signage for better navigation,” the department said.

https://indianexpress.com/article/india/portuguese-era-cannonballs-found-during-excavation-asi-hits-pause-on-old-goa-tourism-project-9904163/, April 18, 2025

Following a fire at the renowned Devgiri fort in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, INTACH, the leading heritage conservation organisation, has called for a ban on tourists bringing any flammable materials to the historical site. As per PTI, a team of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) met the Archaeological Survey of India's (ASI) superintending archaeologist on Wednesday and submitted a memorandum of their demands in view of the fire at the fort. The Devgiri fort, also known as Daulatabad fort, is a major tourist spot, which boosts tourism in Maharashtra's Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district. Located 16 km from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar city, it was once the capital of the Yadava Dynasty in the ninth to 14th century. On April 8, a fire engulfed a considerable portion of the fort and also affected the wild animals, including monkeys, in the area. In its memorandum, the INTACH claimed that grass grown on the terrace of the Baradari (located on the fort's topmost portion) had caught fire, which then spread to the wooden structures. Therefore, grass and trees growing on important structures within the fort should be regularly removed along with regular cleanliness drives, especially before summer, to clear grass, dead branches and plastic garbage should be conducted, the INTACH stated, reported PTI. Every person entering the premises should be thoroughly checked at the entry point to ensure that cigarettes, lighters, bidis, matchboxes or any other flammable substance is not carried into the premises, the INTACH said, reported PTI. Restrictions should be imposed on the carrying of plastic bottles in the fort, the memorandum highligted, Also, compliance with the Maharashtra Fire Prevention and Life Safety Measures Act, 2006, should be ensured. In case of emergencies, pathways should be created and maintained regularly to allow small water tankers to access any part of the fort, the memorandum added. In a similar case, major fire broke out at Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar market which damaged 20 shops. The fire broke out in the city early on Thursday morning, damaging nearly 20 shops. The incident occurred at around 5 am in the market at Central Naka in the Azad Chowk area, where several furniture shops are located.

https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/devgiri-fort-fire-dont-allow-visitors-to-carry-flammable-materials-says-intach-23521268, April 17, 2025

In a bid to preserve and promote Asal Uttar as a key military heritage site, the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) has called on the Punjab government to develop the historical spot into a major tourist and educational destination. In a letter sent last year to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Maj Gen Balwinder Singh (retd), VSM, the convener of INTACH Punjab, had urged the state to recognise and promote the region’s rich military legacy. The INTACH team recently organised a tour of the historic village of Asal Uttar, just 12 km from the India-Pakistan border in the Khemkaran sector of Tarn Taran district. During their visit, the team members engaged with local villagers and welcomed visitors from Amritsar who were on a tour of the site. Despite its historical significance, the site has not yet been fully developed to attract tourists, historians or young people, Maj Gen Singh pointed out. “We are failing to utilise the full potential of our military heritage,” he remarked, emphasising that Punjab, as a border state, is home to numerous pivotal battlefields and monuments that hold immense value. The focus now shifts to turning Asal Uttar into a key military heritage destination. Known as the “Graveyard of Patton Tanks”, Asal Uttar became famous for one of the largest tank battles after World War II and remains one of the most intense confrontations of the 1965 India-Pakistan War. It was here that the Indian Army, under the leadership of Lt Gen Harbaksh Singh, outsmarted and destroyed 99 of Pakistan’s superior Patton tanks. The battle has been celebrated as a “David vs Goliath” moment in Indian military history. Despite its historical importance, Asal Uttar’s current infrastructure consists of a modest memorial with a tank and a small building housing a gallery and archives. “The entire Asal Uttar area can become a hub for integrated activities. We could organise heritage walks to key battle locations, including the memorial of CQMH Abdul Hamid of the 4th Battalion, The Grenadiers, who destroyed four Pakistani tanks single-handedly before attaining martyrdom. The site could also showcase stories from veterans and locals, enriching the experience further,” he said. Maj Gen Raj Mehta, a former officer and military historian, who contributed to establishing the Punjab State Heroes War Memorial and Museum in Amritsar, highlighted the need to integrate battlefield archaeology tours at Asal Uttar. He pointed to successful military heritage sites in Europe and Israel as models, noting that Israel’s Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial has transformed an entire mountain range into a poignant cultural experience. "Why can't we do the same with Asal Uttar and other sites across Punjab?" Maj Gen Mehta said.

https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/amritsar/call-to-revive-asal-uttar-as-military-heritage-destination, April 12, 2025

Step into the Indian Museum in Kolkata, the oldest in Asia and a treasure trove of art, archaeology, and natural history. From a 4,000-year-old Egyptian mummy to Buddhist relics, discover how this colonial-era institution shaped cultural narrative. The oldest and biggest multidisciplinary museum in the Indian subcontinent was established in 1814 and is located in Kolkata. Standing at the Jawaharlal Nehru Road in the centre of the city, the Indian Museum houses the country's most extensive historical, artistic, cultural and scientific legacy. This must-visit museum in India is often referred to as the "Jadu Ghar" (The House of Magic) by the locals owing to its extensive architecture and enormous collection that never ceases to enthrall the tourists.

Historical Origins

The Asiatic Society of Bengal, which was founded in 1784 by British philologist and jurist Sir William Jones, is the body credited with founding the Indian Museum. Dr. Nathaniel Wallich, a Danish botanist and the museum's initial curator, helped form the concept for the establishment. The museum was first established in the Asiatic Society's building before it was relocated to its current location in 1875. What saw its beginning as the "Asiatic Society Museum" subsequently found itself addressed as the "Imperial Museum" and finally some time later came to be known as the "Indian Museum." This roomy neoclassical edifice was built to house the museum's quickly expanding collection. Through the colonial and subsequently the post-colonial era, the museum developed into a prestigious establishment, making a substantial contribution to the expansion of museology and heritage studies in India. Incidentally, the basic model of the Indian Museum also served as an inspiration for a gamut of other museums throughout the nation, including those in Chennai and Mumbai.

Architectural Legacy

The current building, designed in the classical Italian style, was completed in 1875 and purpose-built to serve as a museum, rather than being adapted from an earlier structure. Located on what is now Jawaharlal Nehru Road, the site was selected for its centrality and accessibility within the growing colonial capital of British India. The building that was designed by W.L. Granville, a British architect, features grand colonnades, courtyards, and spacious galleries tailored to the display of artefacts and scientific specimens. Its opulent colonnades, lofty ceilings and arched windows alone make for a fine piece of architectural heritage. It is extended across several stories and takes up a sizable plot of land next to the busy Park Street neighbourhood. Imperial beauty, characteristic of British India's 19th-century institutional architecture, is evoked by the building's imposing façade and central courtyard. Inside, the galleries are built up thematically, with spacious hallways and brightly lit rooms that provide visitors with a serene and scholarly environment. Modern facilities for conservation and display have been incorporated into recent renovations that aim to maintain its historic character. Unlike many other institutions of its time that were housed in repurposed colonial mansions or administrative buildings, the Indian Museum was envisioned from the outset as a dedicated cultural and educational space, reflecting the British desire to institutionalise the study of India’s history, art, and natural sciences within a formal and architecturally imposing setting.

Major Exhibits and Collections

The museum has six major sections, namely, Art, Archaeology, Anthropology, Geology, Zoology, and Economic Botany. Its most famous and prized exhibit is the 2nd-century BC Bharhut Stupa railings, known for intricate carvings depicting Jataka tales. The Amaravati sculptures from Andhra Pradesh, dating to 200 BCE – 200 CE, are equally significant, showcasing early Buddhist art. The 19th-century Egyptian mummy, which is one of the most visited items in the Archaeology area, is accompanied by artefacts from the Mauryan Empire, the Gupta era, and the Indus Valley Civilisation. Bengali terracotta items, prehistoric tools, and the Ashokan lion capital provide insight into India's ancient past. Beautiful miniature paintings from the Mughal, Rajput, and Pahari schools may be seen in the Art area, and tribal artefacts, traditional clothing, masks, and ritual objects from different Indian communities can be seen in the Anthropology gallery. With their taxidermy representations of endangered and extinct animals, such as the now-extinct pink-headed duck and a massive blue whale skeleton, the Natural History wings are just as captivating.

Educational and Urban Importance

The Indian Museum is as much a national educational institution as it is a city museum or a tourist destination. Its library, publications, and research division have significantly influenced scholarly discussions in the fields of art history, archaeology, and museology. Furthermore, the museum is also remarkably ingrained in the city’s topology of Kolkata's urban spread and history owing to its central location and vicinity to major sites like the Victoria Memorial, Park Street, and the Indian Museum metro station. Its reach has grown in recent years, becoming more accessible to younger audiences and international researchers because of digital initiatives, guided tours, and well chosen exhibitions.

Preservation and Modernisation Efforts

The preservation of delicate artefacts, updating of the displays, and infrastructure maintenance have all presented difficulties for the Indian Museum. However, there has been a slow restoration thanks to efforts by the Archaeological Survey of India and the Ministry of Culture. To improve the visitor experience, projects include digitising collections, upgrading lighting and signage, and implementing QR code-based information systems. The museum reaffirmed its position as a vibrant cultural institution in a contemporary setting in 2014 by launching a number of activities in honour of its bicentennial, such as international partnerships and themed exhibits.

The Information | Indian Museum

Address: 27, Jawaharlal Nehru Road, Park Street Area, Kolkata

Timings: Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am to 6 pm; closed on Mondays

Entry Fee:

Adults: INR 75

Below 18: INR 20

Foreign nationals: INR 500

Guides are available for free.

Photography Charges:

Smart phone camera: INR 50, exclusive of GST

DSLR camera: INR 100, exclusive of GST

Small Video Camera: INR 2,000, exclusive of GST

Camera with Stand: INR 5,000, exclusive of GSTindian museum kolkata timing​

Hotels near Indian Museum, Kolkata

The Oberoi Grand, an iconic five-star hotel in Kolkata, is located less than 400 metres away from the Indian Museum. Sapphire Suites, a four-star hotel, is roughly 500 metres away.

https://www.outlooktraveller.com/destinations/india/indian-museum-kolkata-is-oldest-in-asia, April 10, 2025

A week-long exhibition, a unique and educational event based on the Dwadash Madhav of Prayagraj, was organised by the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage Varanasi at Raja Ghat, concluded on Tuesday. Convener of INTACH Varanasi Chapter Ashok Kapoor said CM Yogi Adityanath restored the Dwadash Madhav Temples of Prayagraj in 2019, just in time for the Kumbh. The temples are not commonly known, even in Prayagraj. Later, INTACH carried out an extensive survey and documented the Dwadash Madhav. That documentation project was converted into large displays to be installed in an exhibition at Maha Kumbh. The National Mission for Clean Ganga, a govt of India initiative, requested INTACH to exhibit those displays during Maha Kumbh and provided space in a hall. Kapoor said rare and unique displays were then transferred to Varanasi after Maha Kumbh was over. INTACH Varanasi installed those displays as part of an exhibition at the INTACH Cultural Centre, Peshwa Haveli, Raja Ghat. The exhibition was opened for school students from Apr 2. Every day, schoolchildren visited the venue and saw the exhibition. To date, about 200 students from 10 schools have visited the exhibition at the appointed time. The students observed and were asked to prepare a report on the exhibition. Simultaneously, an exhibition on INTACH and Ganga Documentation was also displayed. The students have been asked to prepare reports on Dwadash Madhav and INTACH separately. The INTACH Cultural Centre has been established at its building, commonly known as Peshwa Haveli, where cultural activities are organised on a regular basis, including classical music, Vedic chanting, lectures, nationallevel workshops, and meetings based on heritage. Kapoor said coordinator for the Heritage education cell, Aditi Gulati, helped in conceptualising the project. The reports will be presented by students on Apr 18 on World Heritage Day at a presentation ceremony. Prizes will be given to the three best reports and the reports will then be sent to the National Mission for Clean Ganga and the INTACH head office.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/varanasi/exhibition-on-prayagrajs-dwadash-madhav-temples/articleshowprint/120102281.cms, April 8, 2025

Former Kannada Sahitya Parishat president Harikrishna Punaroor has said that it was heartening to see Bharatanatyam gaining prominence in the coastal districts, where it was relatively less popular around 50 years ago. He was speaking at the inaugural session of Natya Chari, a special Bharatanatyam demonstration presentation by dancer Vidushi Ayana Perla on Friday, April 4 at the Kodialguthu Centre for Art and Culture under the aegis of the Mangaluru Chapter of INTACH (Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage) here. Mr. Punaroor emphasised the importance of encouraging this rich and refined art form. Bharatanatyam Guru Vidushi Sharadamani Shekhar, noted the growing number of students and enthusiasts of the art form today. She expressed pride in the artistic achievements of Vidushi Perla, describing her as a rising star in the field. Speaking on the occasion entrepreneur M. Muralidhar Shetty said that Bharatanatyam is a complete art that harmoniously blends music, costume, dance, and expressive performance. It reflects the rich heritage and cultural ethos of India, he said. In her performance and demonstration, Vidushi Perla explained that ‘Chari’ refers to the meaningful body movements in Bharatanatyam that complement the lyrics and emotions conveyed through abhinaya (expression). Chari, she said, was a vital element that enriches and completes the aesthetic experience of Natya. She went on to illustrate various dimensions of ‘Chari’ through her expressive dance presentation. Intach Mangaluru Convener Subhash Chandra Basu, writer and retired AIR programme head Vasant Kumar Perla and others were present.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Mangalore/intach-hosts-natya-chari-a-special-bharatanatyam-demonstration/article69419225.ece, April 6, 2025

The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), Manipur Chapter, in collaboration with the Rongmei Literature Society, organized a special observance of International Mother Language Day 2025 under the theme “Intangible Cultural Heritage: Folklore and Oral Tradition of the Indigenous Rongmei Community of Manipur.” The event was held at JN Manipur Dance Academy. Notable personalities who participated in the event included Sahitya Akademi Awardee Saratchand Thiyam, Manipur State Kala Academy Awardee and President of the Rongmei Literature Society Ragongning Gangmei, and Prof. Naorem Joykumar from the History Department of Manipur University. Although Chief Minister N. Biren Singh could not attend in person, his message was shared via an audio recording, where he expressed his support for preserving indigenous languages and the significance of the event. In his message, he reflected on the need to document and honor the oral traditions and native expressions of various communities that are deeply rooted in the land and history of Manipur. Prof. Naorem Joykumar, delivering the keynote address, emphasized the need for a language policy to preserve the indigenous dialects and traditional expressions, especially those passed down orally across generations. He noted that although modernization is influencing language use, every effort must be made to protect and respect the unique linguistic heritage of each community. He further explained that many of the local expressions and oral narratives, passed down from elders, embody the history, values, and identity of a people. Language, in this regard, becomes not just a tool for communication but a vessel of collective memory. He stressed that promoting and using one’s mother tongue is a crucial step toward safeguarding cultural identity. Recalling the significance of February 21 as International Mother Language Day, Sahitya Akademi Awardee Saratchand Thiyam spoke about the tragic events of 1952 in the East Pakistan (now Bangladesh), where several students lost their lives protesting the imposition of Urdu over Bengali. Their sacrifice later led UNESCO, in its 30th General Conference held on November 17, 1999, to declare February 21 as International Mother Language Day. Saratchand Thiyam added that such a globally recognized day serves as a reminder for all communities, including those in Manipur, to value and preserve their mother tongues. He urged for the formulation of a proper language policy in Manipur to protect the linguistic diversity of the state.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Mangalore/intach-hosts-natya-chari-a-special-bharatanatyam-demonstration/article69419225.ece, April 5, 2025

At a two-day seminar titled ‘Safeguarding Heritage: Building a Culture of Sustainability with Development', organised by the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) Uttarakhand chapter at Doon Library, experts, planners, and conservationists came together to deliberate on sustainable urban growth, heritage conservation, and disaster preparedness in the context of Uttarakhand's capital and other Himalayan towns. In the keynote session on Saturday, transport planner and operator Amit Singh Bagel highlighted the imbalance in urban infrastructure, stating that only 8% of Dehradun's right of way is allocated for pedestrians. "We must rethink urban mobility to safeguard the city's identity from the unchecked growth of vehicular traffic. Policies must be designed with the end user in mind, not around a car-centric future," he said, calling for evidence-based planning and integration of transport networks. Regional transport officer Shailesh Tiwari said that sustainable urban change cannot be achieved through enforcement alone. "The root problem isn't just the increasing number of vehicles—it's behavioural. Japan has more vehicles per capita than India, yet its disciplined citizenry prevents traffic chaos. Without similar societal change, we cannot expect real transformation," he said. In a parallel session, architect and urban designer Prof Tapan K Chakravarty spoke about the significance of Uttarakhand's vernacular architecture. He described it as a "living repository of environmental wisdom and cultural heritage," built using local materials and techniques uniquely adapted to seismic zones. The seminar also included sessions on sustainable tourism, water conservation, migration, and the economic valuation of forests. Environmental economist Prof Madhu Verma, in the opening session, stressed the importance of integrating natural capital accounting into policy frameworks. "We need robust mechanisms to value forests economically. Only then can conservation be incentivised effectively," she said. In a panel on sustainable town planning, experts emphasized the urgency of incorporating disaster resilience into urban design, especially in light of recent earthquakes in Myanmar and Thailand. "Uttarakhand lies in seismic zones IV and V. Disaster preparedness must be hardwired into our planning processes," said Sanjay Bhargava, regional chief of HUDCO. He urged local authorities to leverage institutions like IIT Roorkee, the Geological Survey of India, and the Wadia Institute for scientific inputs. Dr K Ramesh, a scientist at the Wildlife Institute of India, and Dr Vineet Gehlaut, director of the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, highlighted the need for immediate transition to sustainable building materials and ecologically sound development models. "Sustainability is not about planting trees; it's about protecting what already exists. The time for action is now," said Gehlaut. The seminar concluded with a call for civic agencies to move beyond policy papers and implement existing urban planning guidelines on the ground, to ensure Dehradun and other towns in Uttarakhand grow smartly, sustainably, and with their ecological and cultural roots intact.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/experts-call-for-sustainable-development-heritage-preservation-as-intach-event-ends-in-doon/articleshowprint/120022484.cms, April 5, 2025

The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), Mangaluru Chapter, has issued a strong call for the implementation of a structured approach to heritage conservation in the coastal region, citing growing concerns over the loss of invaluable historical and cultural landmarks due to the absence of a comprehensive policy framework. The appeal follows recent reports concerning the fate of an almost century-old heritage structure near Nagori, Mangaluru, renowned for its distinctive wooden architecture and historical significance. While initial reports suggested potential demolition, custodians of the building have since clarified that the property is undergoing essential repairs and maintenance, with no intent to demolish the structure. INTACH Mangaluru Chapter has expressed its appreciation for this reassurance and emphasized the critical need to prioritize the preservation of the building’s inherent heritage value throughout the renovation process. However, this situation serves as a potent illustration of the larger challenges confronting heritage preservation efforts in the coastal region. INTACH argues that the steady erosion of historical and cultural landmarks is a direct consequence of the lack of a well-defined and effectively implemented policy for heritage conservation. While public outcry often erupts in response to perceived threats to heritage sites, INTACH cautions that emotional appeals alone are insufficient to guarantee long-term protection. Referencing the recent demolition of the Udupi sub-jail, despite temporary public resistance, the organization highlights the inadequacy of isolated protests in securing preservation outcomes. Furthermore, INTACH points to the renovation and reconstruction of numerous medieval religious structures, which, in many instances, have resulted in the irreversible loss of original historical features and cultural markers. These examples underscore the urgent need for a more proactive and systematic approach to heritage protection. INTACH believes that the formation of a Heritage Committee under the Urban Development Authority, as mandated by directives of the Karnataka High Court, could significantly mitigate such losses. This committee would be instrumental in identifying and legally protecting significant sites through a structured and objective assessment process. “There is an urgent need for a systematic and comprehensive effort to notify and legally protect heritage sites under a sound legal framework,” stated a representative from INTACH Mangaluru Chapter. “Heritage conservation requires an objective approach, evaluating structures based on historical, architectural, and cultural merit, rather than simply relying on the age of the buildings.” Crucially, INTACH emphasizes the necessity of considering the concerns of property owners in developing balanced and viable conservation strategies. Any effective conservation framework must be sensitive to the rights and needs of property owners while simultaneously ensuring the preservation of invaluable historical assets for future generations. INTACH Mangaluru Chapter has been a vocal advocate for the establishment of a Heritage Committee under local Urban Development Authorities, as per the Karnataka High Court’s directives. This committee would be responsible for identifying, notifying, and safeguarding heritage sites within its jurisdiction. Despite repeated appeals to the relevant authorities, this crucial initiative remains pending. “We urge the Government of Karnataka, elected representatives, and local authorities to prioritize establishing the Heritage Committee and implement a structured conservation framework for heritage buildings in Mangaluru and the broader coastal region,” the INTACH representative asserted. “Without such proactive measures, we risk losing irreplaceable cultural treasures to unchecked modernization and development pressures.” INTACH Mangaluru Chapter has been actively identifying and documenting significant heritage sites in the city since its inception in 2016. The organization remains deeply committed to the preservation of the region’s rich cultural heritage and vows to continue advocating for the protection of both historical and natural heritage sites. Through consistent advocacy and community engagement, INTACH hopes to galvanize support for the implementation of a robust and sustainable heritage conservation policy that safeguards the cultural identity of the coastal region for generations to come.

https://www.mangalorean.com/preservation-of-coastal-heritage-at-risk-intach-calls-for-structured-conservation-approach-in-mangaluru-and-beyond/, April 4, 2025

The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), Mangaluru Chapter has urged the government to form a Heritage Committee for Mangaluru and the coastal region to implement a structured conservation framework for heritage buildings in the region. Intach Mangaluru Conveners Subhaschandra Basu and Niren Jain in a statement here said it had long been advocating the formation of such a committee under the local Urban Development Authorities as directed by the Karnataka High Court. This committee would play a crucial role in identifying, notifying, and safeguarding heritage sites. “However, despite repeated appeals, this critical initiative remains pending. We urge the government, elected representatives, and local authorities to prioritise establishing the Heritage Committee," they said. Without such proactive measures, the region risks losing invaluable cultural treasures to unchecked modernisation.

Century-old building

Intach’s concern emanated from recent news about demolition of an almost century-old heritage structure near Naguri in Mangaluru, known for its wooden architecture and historical significance. However, the custodians of the building have clarified that it was undergoing essential repairs and maintenance with no plans for demolition. Appreciating the assurance, Intach urged them to make to preserve the heritage value of the structure. Mr. Basu and Mr. Jain said the situation highlights a growing concern in the coastal region over the steady disappearance of historical and cultural landmarks due to the absence of a well-conceived policy for heritage conservation. While public sentiment often surges in response to such cases, emotional appeals alone could not ensure lasting protection. The renovation and reconstruction of various medieval religious structures have, in many cases, resulted in the loss of original historical features and cultural markers. A committee could help prevent such losses by identifying and protecting significant sites through a structured approach. There is an urgent need for a systematic and comprehensive effort to notify and legally protect heritage sites under a sound legal framework. Heritage conservation requires an objective approach, evaluating structures based on historical, architectural and cultural merit. The concerns of property owners too must be considered to develop balanced and viable conservation strategies. Since its inception in 2016, INTACH Mangaluru Chapter has been actively identifying and documenting significant heritage sites in the city.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Mangalore/intach-demands-formation-of-a-heritage-committee-to-conserve-heritage-buildings-in-coastal-region/article69413080.ece, April 4, 2025