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Heritage
Policy
The first step towards protection of our heritage is the
development of heritage policies, regulations and
guidelines at the local, regional and state level. INTACH
has already begun this process by acting as an advisory
body and initiating the development of heritage policies
for coastal areas, natural sites, heritage villages, hill
stations and other sites of historical and cultural
significance.
The Punjab State Assembly has approved The Punjab Regional
and Town Planning and Development (Amendment) Act, 2003,
to bring in provisions that would specifically address
conservation issues. The Act, a landmark achievement was
formulated by INTACH and the Government of Punjab, in
consultation with the Bombay Environmental Action Group.
This is the second Act to be introduced in India after the
Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning (Amendment) Act
1994 and has been a breakthrough in the field of heritage
conservation. Some of its major clauses are:
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A definition of heritage sites
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For the first time in any Act, natural features of
environmental significance and of scenic beauty have
been specifically included in the definition of heritage
sites.
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This Act provides for protection of heritage sites for
areas within municipal limits and also for areas
outside, that come under the purview of the Regional
Plan.
Concepts
like the Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) have
been introduced to compensate the owners of heritage
buildings who are not allowed to develop their property.
It is imperative that many more states emulate Punjab and
Maharashtra by formulating effective heritage regulations
- while restoration protects many endangered sites,
legislation can protect several thousands!
Legal interventions
INTACH makes legal interventions through Public Interest
Litigations when actions of the local or national
administration are a threat to the heritage of the
country.
Expansion of the Nizamuddin Railway Station, New Delhi
The case filed against the Northern Railway was won by
INTACH which resulted in the conserving of the original
splendor of the building.
The Demolition of the Canopy at India Gate, New Delhi
The high court order prevented the proposed demolition
of the canopy of King George V at India Gate.
Illegal Construction of a Wozokhana in the Jama Masjid,
New Delhi
The Public Interest Litigation filed by INTACH
resulted in the demolition of the illegal structure that
marred the beauty of the Jama Masjid.
In some instances legal action has been the only recourse
for effective results such as:
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The Public Interest Litigation halted the demolition of
historic structures like the Central Vista canopy
in Delhi, and the Attara Kacheri (High Court) in
Bangalore.
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An injunction order of the Gujarat High Court put a stop
to unauthorized quarrying around the Champaner
monuments and forest reserve.
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The vigilant action of a local Chapter in Maharashtra
safeguarded the status of Dahanau as an
Ecologically Fragile Zone under the Environment
Protection Act, 1986. It led to the establishment of a
Green Bench in the Mumbai High Court.
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The Delhi High Court gave a clear directive that the
installation of a TV tower anywhere in India
requires an environmental impact clearance, when the
petition for removal of the TV tower in Bundi, Rajasthan
had failed.
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Development of Heritage Regulations for the states of
Andhra Pradesh, Punjab, Maharashtra.
Sikh
Heritage Cell
A Sikh Heritage Cell has been constituted with eminent
experts to look into the details of preservation of Sikh
Heritage. A Plan of Action is being formulated.
Members of the Committee are:
- Shri. S. K. Misra, Chairman, INTACH
- Shri. Dalip Mehta, Member Secretary, INTACH
- Shri. Patwant Singh, Conservationlist
- Shri. Kartar Singh Duggal, MP
- Dr. Mohinder Singh, Director, National Institute of
Punjab studies
- Brigadier Sukhjit Singh, Chairman, Kapurthala Heritage
Society
- Dr. Gurpreet Kaur Maini, OSD, Government of Punjab
- Shri. J.S. Jassal, Chartered Accountant
- Shri. D.S. Jaspal, Punjab Government
- Dr. O.P. Agrawal, Director General, ICCI
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