Intach Is Fighting To Save Delhi's Modern Architectural Marvels

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In their endeavour to preserve the city's modern heritage, India National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (Intach) has submitted a detailed presentation to Delhi Urban Art Commission (DUAC), outlining the significance of protecting buildings constructed post-1947.

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The conservation body is spearheading the case to make Delhi the first Indian city to recognise the western concept of modern, contemporary heritage and preserve it. Intach said the idea is to recognise buildings which have become landmark constructions either due to their architecture or unique setting.

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"As asked, we submitted a proposal on the significance and importance of protecting modern heritage to DUAC this month," said Intach convener AGK Menon.

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Intach said the post-1947 period was one of architectural importance since at that time the country was forging a 'modern' identity and many buildings from this period possess the same valuable characteristics of heritage that defined historic buildings protected earlier. "Some of these buildings are facing demolition to pave the way for new 'world-class' facilities. There is no reason why past classics cannot coexist with the proposed facilities. This can be achieved if modern architectural classics are also notified for protection," said an official.

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In the first phase, 62 structures have been identified as modern heritage buildings. These include India International Centre, Vikas Minar, Tara Apartments (built by late Charles Correa), Nehru Memorial Library, JNU, Hall of Nations (earmarked for demolition), Tibet House, Lotus Temple and many other iconic buildings that are currently not protected under any law.

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Delhi's built heritage is protected by three agencies: buildings of national importance that are over a century old are protected by ASI Act of 1958; buildings of regional importance in existence for not less than 100 years as of 2004 are protected by Delhi State Department of Archaeology Act of 2004; and significant buildings of heritage value built before 1950 but not protected by either Acts are notified as heritage buildings by NDMC and the municipal corporations.

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What has been proposed is a fourth kind of protection under 'Modern Architectural Heritage of Delhi' for structures that are of exceptional architectural significance, associated with persons with great significance or representative of the works of a master that make them outstanding.

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The demolition of Chankaya Cinema and a proposal to pull down landmark buildings in Pragati Maidan to make way for an exhibition centre have compelled Intach to push for recognition to these buildings. It has roped in architects, planners, designers and historians to come together to call for protection of modern heritage.

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"Modern buildings are a part of the city's heritage. These need to be preserved for future generations. Unfortunately, the idea of modern history is still alien in our country," Menon said.

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DUAC, however, said the contemporary heritage list was a complex issue and needed to be studied further.

(Originally published in the Times of India)