DESTRUCTION OF HERITAGE PLACES IN INDIA

 DESTRUCTION OF HERITAGE PLACES IN INDIA

Introduction:

The Heritages are important assets of the country they belong to and they need to be protected from being harmed. The indigenous heritages are a basic part of Indigenous identity and life. It is a gift from the ancestors to the next generation.

But now we people are too careless that we are ignoring the importance of heritage places. We are also responsible somewhere for destruction of heritage places. 

Major Issues:

1. Lack of Master Plan:

Except the world heritage sites e.g. Taj, Humayun’s Tomb, Ajanta, Ellora, Bodh Gaya etc. other monuments of national importance face negligence of local or state administrations. The lack of proper master plan foster unorganised growth around the sites and as a result sites lose their charm

2. Encroachments/illegal occupation:

Encroachments around ancient monuments have been a major concern. These encroachments are done by local shopkeepers, souvenir sellers or local residents. These temporary or permanent structures are not fit with the architecture of the monument or environment. For example: CAG Report, 2013 noticed encroachment within the premises of the Taj Mahal near Khan-i-Alam’s Bagh.

3. Pollution: 

There are several types of environmental pollution which hamper the heritage properties. e.g. Taj Mahal was badly affected by Sulphur dioxide etc. emitted by oil refinery at Mathura and more than 200 furnaces used in Taj ganj area. The environmentalist groups with the help of the Supreme Court banned emission of these polluting agents.

4. Tourism and irresponsible Behaviour of Visitors:

Increasing tourism and lack of civic sense among the majority of tourists have caused large damages to monuments degrading their aesthetic value. Criminal damage such as graffiti and defacement directed towards the monuments has been a major concern.

5. Degradation and lack of conservation:

Biological agencies such as mosses, fungus, algae, and insects affect construction materials like timber, bricks, stucco etc. Further, temperature and moisture which is a prime agent of degradation of monuments pose a serious concern. However, the conservation practices have been primarily directed towards World Heritage sites, while other monuments have been largely neglected and thus degraded over time.

Steps that can be taken to protect the indigenous heritages

• By government:

The government needs to pay heed and take steps to protect the heritage. Certain guidelines should be made for the proper implementation of the measures at the time of disaster. Proper staff should be appointed for any such occasions. The government should also make people aware of how essential it is to protect heritage sites. Laws should be made to punish people who harm them. The various industries like the ones involved in Taj issue should be punished accordingly. 

• By individuals:

The individuals can be of great help when it comes to the protection of heritages. There are small ways which can make a big difference. Like when we visit any heritage site. I have myself seen people coming to see the site, bringing eatables with them and throwing their wrappers around everywhere. Many of us have seen scribbles made by people on the walls of the heritage sites. Although these may be a very small issue to discuss when it comes to the protection of indigenous heritage, these things also portray a very disappointing scene. People have to understand that by doing such small acts which may be negligible in their point of view they are harming the national heritage of our country. 

Conclusion

The Indigenous Heritage which is a part of our invaluable assets needs to be protected. It is the responsibility of each one of us to see that there are no damages as such to the sites due to our activities. The role played by each one of us is very important. The challenges which come in the way of protection of heritage sites need to be addressed and steps should be taken to tackle them.

By Vikas Goyal.