NEW DELHI: 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.

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. "As asked, we submitted a proposal on the signfiicance and importance of protecting modern heritage to DUAC this month," said Intach convener A G K Menon.1

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. "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.

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

• 1. 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.
   

  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.