Intach demands formation of a Heritage Committee to conserve heritage buildings in coastal region

INTACH Mangaluru urges government to establish Heritage Committee for coastal region to safeguard historical buildings from modernisation.

The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), Mangaluru Chapter has urged the government to form a Heritage Committee for Mangaluru and the coastal region to implement a structured conservation framework for heritage buildings in the region.

Intach Mangaluru Conveners Subhaschandra Basu and Niren Jain in a statement here said it had long been advocating the formation of such a committee under the local Urban Development Authorities as directed by the Karnataka High Court. This committee would play a crucial role in identifying, notifying, and safeguarding heritage sites.

“However, despite repeated appeals, this critical initiative remains pending. We urge the government, elected representatives, and local authorities to prioritise establishing the Heritage Committee,” they said. Without such proactive measures, the region risks losing invaluable cultural treasures to unchecked modernisation.

Intach’s concern emanated from recent news about demolition of an almost century-old heritage structure near Naguri in Mangaluru, known for its wooden architecture and historical significance. However, the custodians of the building have clarified that it was undergoing essential repairs and maintenance with no plans for demolition. Appreciating the assurance, Intach urged them to make to preserve the heritage value of the structure.

Mr. Basu and Mr. Jain said the situation highlights a growing concern in the coastal region over the steady disappearance of historical and cultural landmarks due to the absence of a well-conceived policy for heritage conservation. While public sentiment often surges in response to such cases, emotional appeals alone could not ensure lasting protection.

The renovation and reconstruction of various medieval religious structures have, in many cases, resulted in the loss of original historical features and cultural markers. A committee could help prevent such losses by identifying and protecting significant sites through a structured approach.

There is an urgent need for a systematic and comprehensive effort to notify and legally protect heritage sites under a sound legal framework. Heritage conservation requires an objective approach, evaluating structures based on historical, architectural and cultural merit. The concerns of property owners too must be considered to develop balanced and viable conservation strategies.