INTACH moves HC to protect Delhi's contemporary built heritage

Alleging "complete abdication" of responsibility by Heritage Conservation Committee and Delhi Urban Art Commission to protect the city's "contemporary architectural heritage", an NGO has made a plea to Delhi High Court seeking protection of these modern built legacy.
The court has directed HCC and the DUAC to place before it the decisions taken by the two bodies in this regard.
Justice Manmohan asked HCC and DUAC to produce before the court the "original files" which contain the decisions of the two bodies on the issue which has been raised in the plea filed by the Delhi chapter of Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) and listed the matter for further hearing on July 12.

INTACH in its plea filed recently has sought protection of around 62 buildings, including the Hall of Nations in Pragati Maidan in the national capital which it has identified as modern heritage.
The matter assumes significance as the Hall of Nations and Nehru Pavillion are earmarked for demolition by the government to pave the way for a new world-class facility.
In its plea, INTACH has submitted that the post-1947 period was one of architectural importance since at that time the country was forging a "modern identity".

It has alleged "complete abdication of responsibility by HCC, DUAC and other agencies in not taking steps to protect contemporary architectural heritage of Delhi."

INTACH has contended that the list of 62 such structures was submitted to HCC and DUAC in 2013 but till date they have not notified the list resulting in a "legal vacuum".
The NGO has also sought directions from the court to the civic bodies to not damage or demolish any of these buildings.
As per INTACH, besides the Hall of Nations, other modern structures that need to be protected include India International Centre, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Lotus Temple (Baha'i House of Worship), Sri Ram Centre for Performing Arts and Crafts Museum which currently are not protected under any law.