Exactly 40 years ago, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization General Conference established 18 April as the International Day for Monuments and Sites. The aim is to promote awareness about cultural heritage and diversity. The theme for World Heritage Day 2022 is “Heritage and Climate”.
As per UNESCO, the history of a place can involve many points of view. The conservation of cultural heritage requires careful examination of the past, and its practice demands provision for the future. In recent years, debates on certain narratives, and particular stories over others, have come to the forefront. Addressing difficult and often contested histories involves complex conversations with different stakeholders, avoiding biased views and interpretations of the past.
The World Heritage Convention (1972) states: “deterioration or disappearance of any item of the cultural or natural heritage constitutes a harmful impoverishment of the heritage of all the nations of the world”. However, imbalances in recognition, interpretation and ultimately, conservation of various cultural manifestations continue to exist, UNESCO underlines.The Day invites need to reflect on, interpret and review existing narratives.
Earlier this month, the Executive Committee’s meeting for the revival, restoration and conservation of the architectural heritage of J&K was held under the chairmanship of the Chief Secretary.
As has been rightly said by the Chief Secretary, the restoration of the heritage and architectural sites of J&K should be a priority of the government. For this, coordinated efforts need to be taken for restoring the sites to their original positions. There is a need to devise and finalize short, medium, and long term plans for revival, restoration, preservation, and maintenance of architectural and heritage sites of J&K. As correctly put by the highest civil officer, the short term plans should be immediately executed which include components like landscape, approach road, lighting, information boards, public amenities and other things that fall under long term plan will automatically follow.
The heritage sites should be made a happening place for the people in consultation with the stakeholders as per the approved action plan. Once people will start visiting the places it will create ripple effects.
The day is aimed at creating awareness about the importance of preserving the various Heritage Sites around the world and all the steps must be taken by all the stakeholders for protecting these heritage sites.