Parivartan, Oldest Railway Station and Heritage Conservation | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Why is it Newsworthy?

The Byculla Railway station has recently undergone restoration to its original splendor and has been honored with the Asia Pacific cultural heritage award by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).

Key Highlights:

Station Background:

• Situated in Mumbai, the Byculla railway station boasts a rich history, being one of India's oldest operational railway stations at 169 years old.

Witness to Evolution:

• Over its long history, Byculla has stood witness to Mumbai's evolution, reflecting the city's growth and changes. The station itself has undergone significant transformations, evolving from a modest wooden structure to its current grand edifice.

Heritage Restoration:

• The station underwent a meticulous restoration initiative, resulting in its recognition with a prestigious UNESCO award. This endeavor ensures the preservation of its architectural magnificence and historical significance for future generations.

Restoration Efforts:

• An NGO spearheaded the restoration project in collaboration with heritage conservation architects, emphasizing the importance of public-private partnerships in heritage conservation.

UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation:

Overview:

• UNESCO aims to promote private sector engagement and public-private collaborations in preserving the region's cultural heritage for the benefit of present and future generations.
• Since 2000, the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation have acknowledged the accomplishments of private sector entities and public-private initiatives in effectively conserving or restoring heritage structures, sites, and properties in the region.
• In 2020, UNESCO introduced the Special Recognition for Sustainable Development and updated award criteria to underscore cultural heritage's role in sustainable development.
• UNESCO Bangkok is developing capacity-building activities and apprenticeship programs to share knowledge and experiences from award-winning projects.

Objectives:

• Identifying and promoting exemplary heritage conservation practices, particularly from under-represented regions such as East Asia, Central Asia, and Pacific countries.
• Enhancing the exchange of research and professional practices in heritage conservation.
• Capacity building in heritage conservation, including youth engagement and knowledge management initiatives.
• Fostering pride and a sense of ownership of cultural heritage among communities.

In essence, the restoration of Byculla Railway station and its recognition by UNESCO serve as a testament to the importance of preserving cultural heritage and fostering community pride and ownership.

What are the Other UNESCO Heritage Sites in Maharashtra?

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CST):

• Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CST) was formerly known as Victoria Terminus, and stands as a historic railway station in Mumbai, Maharashtra. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it owes its distinction to its remarkable Victorian Gothic Revival architecture.

Ajanta Caves:

• Renowned for their exquisite rock-cut Buddhist cave monuments, the Ajanta Caves are located in the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra.
• These caves date back to the 2nd century BCE and showcase remarkable ancient Indian art and architecture.

Ellora Caves:

• Situated near Aurangabad in Maharashtra, the Ellora Caves comprise a complex of Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain cave temples and monasteries.
• These caves, carved out of solid rock, demonstrate exceptional craftsmanship and religious diversity, spanning a period from the 6^th to 10^th century CE.

Elephanta Caves:

• Positioned on Elephanta Island (Gharapuri) in Mumbai Harbour, the Elephanta Caves consist of cave temples dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. These intricately carved caves date back to the 5^th to 8^th centuries CE and are celebrated for their religious significance and artistic excellence.

Measures Taken for Cultural Heritage Preservation:

International Initiatives:

• UNESCO's World Heritage Sites list necessitates rigorous measures for safeguarding historical monuments, with India boasting 42 designated sites.
• Various conventions such as the Convention on the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Cultural Property (1977), the Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage (2005), and the Convention on the Protection and Promotion of Cultural Expressions (2006) highlight global efforts in this regard.

Indian Initiatives:

• Domestically, initiatives like PRASAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive), the Chardham Road Project, Swadesh Darshan Scheme, HRIDAY (Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana), Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat, and Kashi Tamil Sangamam underscore India's commitment to heritage preservation.

Constitutional Provisions:

• Constitutional provisions under Article 29 ensure the rights of citizens to conserve distinct languages, scripts, and cultures, while Article 51A mandates citizens to value and preserve the nation's composite culture as a fundamental duty.
• Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) mandate the state to protect monuments and places of artistic or historic interest, as outlined in Article 49.

Legislation:

• The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) Act of 1958 safeguards ancient monuments, archaeological sites, and remains of national significance, regulating excavations and protecting artifacts.

Issues Related to Heritage Management:

• Outdated Mechanisms: Outmoded excavation techniques and inadequate use of modern technologies like Geographic Information System and Remote Sensing hinder effective exploration and conservation efforts.
• Environmental Threats: Heritage sites face risks from pollution, erosion, flooding, and earthquakes, with the Taj Mahal suffering deterioration due to air pollution.
• Unsustainable Tourism: Overcrowding, unregulated activities, and inadequate management pose challenges to heritage sites, disrupting local communities and damaging structures.

Way Forward

• Sustainable Funding: Exploring innovative funding models such as public-private partnerships and crowdfunding to ensure financial stability for heritage conservation.
• Technology Integration: Leveraging advanced tools like remote sensing and virtual reality for documentation, monitoring, and conservation to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
• Engagement Initiatives: Utilizing less-visited monuments for cultural programs to promote intangible heritage and increase visitor engagement.

For instance, encouraging corporate sponsorships for specific conservation projects and utilizing 3D scanning for virtual tours are potential strategies to enhance heritage preservation efforts.