A holistic heritage conservation plan

• The Telangana government is talking about the conservation & preservation of heritage sites to achieve the UNESCO World Heritage City status which will boost its tourism.
• In 2022, Hyderabad had just a 4.69% share of foreign tourist arrivals compared to 34.02% in Delhi and 14.2% in Mumbai.

Heritage sites in Telangana

• 1935 Moazzam Jahi Market
• Bansilalpet stepwell at ₹2.6 crore
• 13th century Ramappa temple near Warangal: UNESCO World Heritage site tag after India mounted a diplomatic offensive to ensure coveted status.

Efforts to preserve heritage

• Heritage revitalisation: of sites like the nationally protected Charminar of the Golconda rulers & grand secular Indo-Sarcenic buildings on the banks of the River Musi.
• Mapping by World Bank and Government of India: to create an ‘inclusive heritage-based city development in India’ that prescribed structural improvement to heritage buildings.

Conclusion

• It is this industry and segment of business that is at stake. A small chunk of that can have a transformative influence on the economy, job creation, and sustainable development in Telangana.
• But to achieve the goal, the State will need an integrated approach rather than the current pick-and-choose model.

Prelims Takeaway

• UNESCO World Heritage sites