NEW DELHI — A coalition of heritage scholars and urban planners argued on Tuesday that India should move from protecting isolated monuments to designating broader heritage zones, the Times of India reported.
Current approach isolates historic sites
The article noted that most protected monuments are treated as “heritage islands” – single structures surrounded by modern development that often undermines their visual and structural integrity. Conservation guidelines, it said, focus on the monument itself while ignoring adjacent streetscapes, traditional markets and residential quarters that form the lived context of the heritage asset.
Benefits of a zoning model
Advocates of a zoning framework contend that extending protection to a defined perimeter would safeguard the architectural ensemble, traditional building techniques and community practices that give historic sites their meaning. The model, they argue, aligns with UNESCO recommendations that stress the importance of cultural landscapes and the continuity of intangible heritage.
Proponents also point to the economic dimension. By preserving the surrounding environment, heritage zones can enhance tourism experiences, create jobs in restoration trades and encourage private investment in adaptive reuse projects.
Policy gaps and next steps
The Times of India piece highlighted that the Ministry of Culture has not yet issued a formal policy on heritage zoning, despite calls from the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) and other bodies. It cited a recent conference where experts urged the government to draft zoning regulations, establish inter‑departmental coordination mechanisms and involve local communities in planning decisions.
Without a statutory framework, the article said, authorities rely on ad‑hoc decisions that vary by state and often lack enforcement teeth. The lack of clear guidelines, it added, hampers the ability of municipal bodies to integrate heritage considerations into broader urban development plans.
International examples
Comparative examples from Europe and Southeast Asia were mentioned as proof of concept. Cities such as Florence and Luang Prabang have instituted heritage zones that regulate building heights, façade alterations and commercial activity within a defined radius of historic cores. These measures, the report observed, have helped maintain the authenticity of the sites while accommodating contemporary needs.
Challenges ahead
Implementing heritage zones in India will require reconciling multiple interests. Property owners may resist restrictions on land use, while developers could view zoning as a barrier to high‑rise projects. The article warned that any policy must balance preservation goals with the rights of residents and the imperatives of urban growth.
Stakeholders, according to the report, are calling for a phased rollout that begins with pilot zones in cities that already have a concentration of protected monuments, such as Agra, Varanasi and Mysore. Data collection, it said, should include detailed mapping of historic fabric, assessment of structural conditions and documentation of intangible practices linked to the sites.
Conclusion
By shifting the focus from isolated monuments to cohesive heritage zones, experts believe India can better protect its cultural legacy and unlock sustainable economic benefits. The Times of India article concluded that the time is ripe for policymakers to adopt a holistic approach that reflects the interconnected nature of India’s built heritage.
