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

What is the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation?

• UNESCO aims to promote private sector engagement and public-private collaboration in preserving the cultural heritage of the Asia-Pacific region for the benefit of present and future generations.
• Since 2000, the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation have been honoring the accomplishments of the private sector and public-private initiatives in effectively conserving or restoring structures, sites, and properties of cultural significance in the region.
• In 2020, UNESCO introduced the Special Recognition for Sustainable Development and updated Awards criteria to underscore the role of cultural heritage in sustainable development.
• Additionally, UNESCO Bangkok is organizing capacity-building initiatives using exemplary projects awarded and facilitating opportunities for youth to learn from seasoned heritage practitioners through an apprenticeship program.

Objectives:

• Identify and promote exemplary practices in heritage conservation, with a focus on increased participation from under-represented areas such as East Asia, Central Asia, and Pacific countries.
• Enhance the exchange of research and professional practices related to heritage conservation.
• Foster capacity building in heritage conservation.
• Enhance the engagement of youth, both professionals and the public, in safeguarding and promoting cultural heritage.
• Improve knowledge management of Asian heritage, including regional best practices from the UNESCO Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation.
• The awards instill a sense of pride and ownership of heritage among the people.

What are the Other UNESCO Heritage Sites in Maharashtra?

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CST):

• Formerly known as Victoria Terminus, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CST) is a historic railway station in Mumbai, Maharashtra. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its distinction lies in its remarkable Victorian Gothic Revival architecture.

Ajanta Caves:

• Located in the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra, the Ajanta Caves are renowned for their exquisite rock-cut Buddhist cave monuments. Dating back to the 2nd century BCE, these caves exhibit exceptional 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. Carved out of solid rock, these caves showcase remarkable craftsmanship and religious diversity spanning from the 6th to 10th 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. Dating back to the 5th to 8th centuries CE, these intricately carved caves hold significant religious and artistic importance.

What are the Constitutional Provisions Related to Conservation of Heritage Sites and Cultural Heritage?

• Fundamental Right: Under Article 29 of the Indian Constitution, any section of the citizens residing in the territory of India or any part having a distinct language, script or culture of its own has the right to conserve the same.
• Fundamental Duties: It is the Fundamental Duty of every citizen of India (under Article 51A) to value and preserve the rich heritage of the country’s composite culture.
• Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP): Under Article 49 of the Indian Constitution the State shall protect every monument or place of artistic or historic interest (declared by or under law made by Parliament to be of national importance) from spoliation, disfigurement, destruction, removal, disposal or export.”
• Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) Act, 1958: It is an act of the Parliament of India that provides for the preservation of ancient and historical monuments and archaeological sites and remains of national importance, for the regulation of archaeological excavations and for the protection of sculptures, carvings and other like objects.

What are the Issues Related to Heritage Management in India?

• Outdated Mechanism of Excavation and Exploration: Due to the prevalence of outdated mechanisms, Geographic Information System and Remote Sensing are rarely used in exploration.
• Also, local bodies involved in urban heritage projects are often not equipped enough to handle heritage conservation.
• Environmental Degradation and Natural Disasters: Heritage sites in India are vulnerable to environmental degradation and natural disasters, such as pollution, erosion, flooding, and earthquakes, which can cause irreversible damage to their physical structures and cultural significance.
• For example, the Taj Mahal in Uttar Pradesh, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an iconic symbol of India's cultural heritage, has faced challenges due to air pollution, which has caused yellowing and deterioration of its marble.
• Unsustainable Tourism: Popular heritage sites in India often face high tourism pressure, which can result in issues such as overcrowding, unregulated visitor activities, and inadequate visitor management.
• Uncontrolled tourism can cause damage to heritage structures, impact the local environment, and disrupt the local community's way of life.

Way Forward

• Sustainable Funding Models: Exploring and implementing innovative funding models for heritage conservation, such as public-private partnerships, corporate sponsorships, crowdfunding, and community-based funding.
• This can help generate additional financial resources for heritage sites and ensure their sustainable conservation and maintenance.
• Example: Encouraging corporate sponsorships for specific conservation projects, where companies can contribute funds and resources in exchange for brand recognition and promotional opportunities.
• Technology- enabled Conservation: Leveraging advanced technologies such as remote sensing, 3D scanning, virtual reality, and data analytics for documentation, monitoring, and conservation of heritage sites.
• This can enable more efficient and effective heritage management practices, including condition assessment, preventive conservation, and virtual tourism experiences.
• Example: Using 3D scanning and virtual reality to create digital replicas of heritage structures, which can be used for virtual tours, educational purposes, and as a reference for restoration and conservation work.
• Innovative Measures to Increase Engagement: Monuments that do not attract a large number of visitors and those which have no associated cultural/religious sensitivity should be used as venues for cultural programmes with the twin objectives:
  • Promoting the associated intangible heritage
  • Increasing visitor numbers to such sites.