At precisely 10:30 am this morning, a critical meeting convened at the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Municipal Corporation headquarters, drawing together an eclectic mix of municipal officials, heritage experts, urban planners, and government administrators. The occasion: the scheduled session of the Heritage Conservation Committee—a body tasked with the delicate balancing act between protecting the city’s rich architectural and cultural patrimony and enabling contemporary urban development. Today’s agenda, spanning the contentious issue of no-objection certificates (NOCs) for new construction, the preservation of ancient water infrastructure, and oversight of iconic structures, throws into sharp relief the ongoing—and often fraught—conversation around urban heritage in expanding Indian cities.
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, formerly known as Aurangabad, is a city layered with centuries of legacy. From Mughal-era canals winding across neighborhoods to colonial-era civic buildings, its urban landscape is a palimpsest etched with stories of dynasties, communities, and architectural styles. The Heritage Conservation Committee, now convened under the stewardship of its president, Jayant Rao Deshpande, holds the mandate to scrutinize and decide upon new projects or restorations that intersect with this layered history.
Attendees at today’s meeting represent both administrative authority and specialist expertise: the city’s revenue deputy commissioner, the director of archaeology and museums, the assistant director of urban planning, a deputy conservator of forests, the city engineer, as well as key civic administrators like Vijay Sangvikar, Mukund Bhogle, Dr. Sheikh Ramzan, the municipal commissioner, and the executive engineer from the Public Works Department.
This cross-disciplinary assembly reflects the rising recognition that heritage is not solely an aesthetic or nostalgic concern—it is entwined with issues of urban sustainability, economic development, social cohesion, and the assertion of community identities.
NOCs, or no-objection certificates, play a pivotal role in heritage governance across India. They signify the committee’s formal assent that a proposed project does not threaten the integrity of protected sites or unduly disrupt the context of officially recognized heritage zones. Critics argue that, at times, these certificates can become rubber stamps, undermined by bureaucratic inertia, political pressure, or development urgency. Conversely, stringent NOC regimes risk stifling essential urban modernization or affordable housing projects, particularly in heritage-rich districts where land constraints are acute.
In the case of the new administration building, concerns reportedly span from potential encroachment on the historic “colorful gate” precinct to changes in the urban skyline and associated infrastructural strain. City planners are tasked with threading the needle: fostering efficient government services while ensuring the visual and symbolic integrity of key historic vistas is not irrevocably marred by construction.
According to historical records and local sources, Nahar-e-Ambari contributed to Aurangabad’s reputation as a “city of gates and canals,” enabling urban expansion and public hygiene in eras where water access was a perennial challenge. Preservationists worry that construction too close to such features may risk irreparable damage—either through direct physical disruption or secondary consequences like pollution and altered groundwater movement.
Yet, the housing shortage remains acute. PMAY, a flagship government initiative, is credited with providing millions of new homes to Indian families in need. If NOC processes translate into blanket prohibitions or chronic delays, the social cost could be considerable. Conversely, a perfunctory approach might render historic infrastructure vulnerable to piecemeal destruction.
Multiple experts advocate for “living heritage” approaches—integrating historic canals as landscape assets in new developments, rather than sidelining or concealing them. Such strategies offer the possibility of fulfilling housing goals while simultaneously amplifying the city’s unique cultural identity.
Restoration, as distinct from mere repair, demands a nuanced understanding of both history and material science. Decisions must take stock of period-appropriate construction methods, the implications of seismic risk (noted in the region), and the need for adaptive reuse, ensuring the building is more than a static monument.
The municipality’s committee is said to be considering proposals from conservation architects as well as input from local advocacy groups. Notably, public engagement has been flagged as an essential ingredient: without local buy-in and a sense of shared responsibility, the risk of vandalism, neglect, or inappropriate “modernization” escalates significantly.
The challenge lies in channeling these funds efficiently and transparently. Across India, heritage cesses have sometimes been criticized for lack of accountability, where accrued revenue languishes unutilized or is repurposed for unrelated civic projects. The committee’s deliberations today are expected to include a review of ongoing and future projects that might be supported by this financial pool—with demands from resident groups for greater clarity on expenditure breakdowns, maintenance contracts, and measurable impacts.
Recent years have seen both innovation and controversy in heritage management. Tech-driven documentation efforts, such as laser scans and GIS mapping, have enabled more precise cataloging. Adaptive reuse of old structures—turning historic mansions into boutique hotels or community centers—has won accolades for marrying preservation with economic sustainability. At the same time, high-profile demolitions and “facadism” (where only the front of a building is preserved) have sparked public outcry.
Policy custodians frequently look to best practices from global cities like Istanbul, Rome, or Barcelona. Yet, the Indian context is distinct: higher population densities, different legal regimes, property rights disputes, deep-rooted informal economies, and a living tradition of “continuous building” where old and new frequently intermingle.
Nonetheless, observers caution that successful heritage governance requires more than tidy agendas and collected cesses. It demands political will, administrative vigilance, independent expert evaluation, and—crucially—a sense of shared custodianship among the city’s citizens.
For cities nationwide, this meeting offers a test case: Can India’s urban centers find new equilibrium, leveraging heritage as both an anchor to the past and an asset for collective future? The answer, as ever, will rest as much on the quality of public institutions and citizen engagement as on laws and levied cesses. Whatever today’s verdict, the watchful gaze of history—and its inheritance—remains.
Source: lokmattimes.com Heritage conservation committee meeting scheduled today - www.lokmattimes.com
The Committee: Guardians of History in a Rapidly Evolving City
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, formerly known as Aurangabad, is a city layered with centuries of legacy. From Mughal-era canals winding across neighborhoods to colonial-era civic buildings, its urban landscape is a palimpsest etched with stories of dynasties, communities, and architectural styles. The Heritage Conservation Committee, now convened under the stewardship of its president, Jayant Rao Deshpande, holds the mandate to scrutinize and decide upon new projects or restorations that intersect with this layered history.Attendees at today’s meeting represent both administrative authority and specialist expertise: the city’s revenue deputy commissioner, the director of archaeology and museums, the assistant director of urban planning, a deputy conservator of forests, the city engineer, as well as key civic administrators like Vijay Sangvikar, Mukund Bhogle, Dr. Sheikh Ramzan, the municipal commissioner, and the executive engineer from the Public Works Department.
This cross-disciplinary assembly reflects the rising recognition that heritage is not solely an aesthetic or nostalgic concern—it is entwined with issues of urban sustainability, economic development, social cohesion, and the assertion of community identities.
Agenda Highlights: What’s at Stake?
1. NOC for the Proposed District Administration Building
Possibly the most keenly observed item on the agenda is the application for a no-objection certificate for constructing a new district administration building near the labor colony by the city’s celebrated “colorful gate.” The location is prime, and the project signals ambitions of a modern civic presence. However, its proximity to historical sites—and the potential disruption to the heritage character of the locality—raises pointed questions.NOCs, or no-objection certificates, play a pivotal role in heritage governance across India. They signify the committee’s formal assent that a proposed project does not threaten the integrity of protected sites or unduly disrupt the context of officially recognized heritage zones. Critics argue that, at times, these certificates can become rubber stamps, undermined by bureaucratic inertia, political pressure, or development urgency. Conversely, stringent NOC regimes risk stifling essential urban modernization or affordable housing projects, particularly in heritage-rich districts where land constraints are acute.
In the case of the new administration building, concerns reportedly span from potential encroachment on the historic “colorful gate” precinct to changes in the urban skyline and associated infrastructural strain. City planners are tasked with threading the needle: fostering efficient government services while ensuring the visual and symbolic integrity of key historic vistas is not irrevocably marred by construction.
2. NOC Related to Nahar-e-Ambari Canal for the PM Housing Scheme
Another agenda item—the request for an NOC with respect to the historic Nahar-e-Ambari canal in Harsul as part of the Prime Minister’s Housing Scheme (Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana or PMAY)—illuminates the friction between heritage maintenance and social imperatives like affordable housing. Nahar-e-Ambari is not simply an antique watercourse; it represents a sophisticated feat of Mughal-era hydraulic engineering, one that continues to mark the collective memory and environmental fabric of Harsul.According to historical records and local sources, Nahar-e-Ambari contributed to Aurangabad’s reputation as a “city of gates and canals,” enabling urban expansion and public hygiene in eras where water access was a perennial challenge. Preservationists worry that construction too close to such features may risk irreparable damage—either through direct physical disruption or secondary consequences like pollution and altered groundwater movement.
Yet, the housing shortage remains acute. PMAY, a flagship government initiative, is credited with providing millions of new homes to Indian families in need. If NOC processes translate into blanket prohibitions or chronic delays, the social cost could be considerable. Conversely, a perfunctory approach might render historic infrastructure vulnerable to piecemeal destruction.
Multiple experts advocate for “living heritage” approaches—integrating historic canals as landscape assets in new developments, rather than sidelining or concealing them. Such strategies offer the possibility of fulfilling housing goals while simultaneously amplifying the city’s unique cultural identity.
3. Restoration of the Chitkhana Building
The agenda’s third critical point revolves around maintenance and restoration plans for the Chitkhana building, an architectural relic held in high regard by local historians. While detailed technical reports on the building’s current structural health are pending, sources familiar with heritage building restoration emphasize the complex interplay of traditional materials, locally adapted engineering, and evolving building codes in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.Restoration, as distinct from mere repair, demands a nuanced understanding of both history and material science. Decisions must take stock of period-appropriate construction methods, the implications of seismic risk (noted in the region), and the need for adaptive reuse, ensuring the building is more than a static monument.
The municipality’s committee is said to be considering proposals from conservation architects as well as input from local advocacy groups. Notably, public engagement has been flagged as an essential ingredient: without local buy-in and a sense of shared responsibility, the risk of vandalism, neglect, or inappropriate “modernization” escalates significantly.
The Heritage Cess: Funding Preservation
Between March 1, 2024, and May 23, 2025, the municipal corporation has reportedly collected over ₹36.18 lakh as heritage cess—a form of targeted levy intended to provide a revenue stream for conservation activities. While the sum may appear modest within the context of robust municipal budgets, earmarked funds of this nature offer a measure of financial independence for heritage initiatives, reducing reliance on ad hoc state or central government disbursals.The challenge lies in channeling these funds efficiently and transparently. Across India, heritage cesses have sometimes been criticized for lack of accountability, where accrued revenue languishes unutilized or is repurposed for unrelated civic projects. The committee’s deliberations today are expected to include a review of ongoing and future projects that might be supported by this financial pool—with demands from resident groups for greater clarity on expenditure breakdowns, maintenance contracts, and measurable impacts.
Broader Context: Heritage Conservation in Twenty-First Century India
The debates playing out in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar echo across Indian urban centers. With rapid population growth, infrastructure pressures, and rising land values, the country’s built heritage faces relentless stress. The 2011 census identified over 7,000 documented heritage structures in the state of Maharashtra alone; hundreds more exist informally, cherished by communities if overlooked by official lists.Recent years have seen both innovation and controversy in heritage management. Tech-driven documentation efforts, such as laser scans and GIS mapping, have enabled more precise cataloging. Adaptive reuse of old structures—turning historic mansions into boutique hotels or community centers—has won accolades for marrying preservation with economic sustainability. At the same time, high-profile demolitions and “facadism” (where only the front of a building is preserved) have sparked public outcry.
Policy custodians frequently look to best practices from global cities like Istanbul, Rome, or Barcelona. Yet, the Indian context is distinct: higher population densities, different legal regimes, property rights disputes, deep-rooted informal economies, and a living tradition of “continuous building” where old and new frequently intermingle.
Critical Analysis: Strengths, Risks, and the Path Forward
Strengths
- Diverse Stakeholder Involvement: The committee’s inclusive roster—spanning planners, archaeologists, engineers, and civic administrators—increases the likelihood of balanced decisions that weigh both preservationist and developmental imperatives.
- Dedicated Funding Mechanism: The ongoing collection of heritage cess provides a potentially stable foundation for planning and executing medium- to long-term conservation projects.
- Public Scrutiny and Transparency: Scheduled committee meetings, with publicized agendas and decision records, create opportunities for civic engagement, reducing the risk of opaque “backroom deals” that might otherwise compromise historic fabric for expediency.
- Alignment with Social Needs: Considering NOCs in the context of widespread housing shortages recognizes the necessity of integrating heritage conservation with larger developmental strategies, rather than treating the former as a luxury or afterthought.
Risks
- Rubber-Stamping NOCs: If political or commercial pressures eclipse expert recommendations, the NOC process risks becoming a formality—permitting irreversible loss of historic assets in the name of development.
- Heritage as an Impediment: If committees swing too far toward preservation without flexibility, they could inadvertently throttle projects that address pressing urban needs, exacerbating issues like overcrowding or public service deficits.
- Funding Pitfalls: Without rigorous accounting, there is a recurrent risk that heritage cess revenues will be siphoned off for unrelated purposes or spent inefficiently. Legislated oversight and real-time public disclosure are vital safeguards.
- Community Disengagement: Initiatives that lack meaningful public participation or ignore community knowledge may falter in the face of apathy, resistance, or outright conflict.
Case Study: Integrating Historic Canals with Modern Housing
Comparative studies in heritage cities like Ahmedabad and Jaipur demonstrate that “living heritage” approaches—embedding old water infrastructure into new public green spaces or community gardens—can transform perceived liabilities into high-value civic amenities. Such strategies require upfront investment and close coordination between conservation specialists, social planners, and local residents, but often deliver outsize returns in urban livability and social capital.Cautious Optimism
The meeting at Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar is emblematic of evolving attitudes—where heritage is not a static checklist, but a dynamic resource to be interpreted, stewarded, and reimagined for changing times. The outcomes of today’s committee deliberations may set benchmarks for other rapidly modernizing Indian cities grappling with similar dilemmas.Nonetheless, observers caution that successful heritage governance requires more than tidy agendas and collected cesses. It demands political will, administrative vigilance, independent expert evaluation, and—crucially—a sense of shared custodianship among the city’s citizens.
Conclusion: A Test Case for Urban Heritage Governance
As Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar’s Heritage Conservation Committee moves forward with its deliberations, the stakes are high. The decisions reached today could shape the physical and cultural landscape of the city for generations, amplifying its distinct character—or, if mishandled, accelerating the erasure of irreplaceable heritage.For cities nationwide, this meeting offers a test case: Can India’s urban centers find new equilibrium, leveraging heritage as both an anchor to the past and an asset for collective future? The answer, as ever, will rest as much on the quality of public institutions and citizen engagement as on laws and levied cesses. Whatever today’s verdict, the watchful gaze of history—and its inheritance—remains.
Source: lokmattimes.com Heritage conservation committee meeting scheduled today - www.lokmattimes.com
