Delhi could well be one of the most important heritage cities of the world if the range of historical monuments are showcased to the foreign tourists in a proper way. The Art and Culture Department of the Delhi government has renovated 25 monuments in the recent past and has identified another 100 where these monuments would be brought to their original grandeur and splendour. Nita Bali, IAS, Secretary Art and Culture Department tells Amitabh Shukla the new strategy to promote heritage tourism in Delhi.

Q: What are the thrust areas to promote heritage tourism in the Capital?

A: Delhi has a very high potential for development of tourism and can have a much bigger flow as cultural heritage is perhaps its most important resource and unquestioned wealth. The city is dotted with 1317 historically important monuments, including world heritage sites and 474 heritage buildings. Apart from them, a large number of havelis and British bungalows, which do not find a mention anywhere, are historically and architecturally of immense value. Our endeavour would be to conserve and restore these to their original splendour and attract tourists on the strength of these.

Q: This seems to be a monumental task. How would the Department go ahead with the plan?

A: This could be done with a collaboration of the government with the citizens and the private sector. The plan is to upgrade the historical sites and spruce up the ambience and environment. Then we intend to develop tourist complexes with facilities like restaurants, souvenir shops, public conveniences, audio guides etc. Development of heritage trail and travel circuits covering colonial and Mughal monuments. Development of effective marketing plans, development of transport network between major historical monuments, organising cultural programmes at the historical sites to bring life to the monuments are some of the other measures.

Q: The monuments of the Mughal period are a major attraction but several of them are lying in a state of neglect. Is there any plan to promote the heritage tourism based on the Mughal monuments?

A: Definitely. We have planned to erect a new concept in Qudasia Garden - the museum of Mughal queens. We will have everything here which would reflect the lifestyle of the queens. This is something which the people of Delhi and foreigners hardly know about. Then the walled city could be developed as a major tourist attraction. For this a co-ordinated effort is required. The idea would be on the overall development, including repair and face-lifting of buildings and havelis, environment friendly transport system, proper illumination, repair of pavements, provide underground cables, special type of street lighting and regulation of traffic. Development of heritage trails and special tourist circuits for this area is the need of the hour and we are trying for that.

Q: For the first time private participation has been mooted to protect, conserve and promote heritage sites. How would the department go about it?

A: Without private participation and help from the people, the government cannot achieve much. To make Delhi a world class city, bhagidari of the people is essential. We have planned to invite the NRIs for investment in and around the heritage sites. Then for the development of a site, infrastructure like restaurants are essential and the government would facilitate this. Apart from this, the residents of a particular locality where a monument lies are being involved for the upkeep. The Resident Welfare Associations will help the government in a big way in the near future.

Q: What are the other plans which would be launched soon?

A: Aggressive marketing of heritage tourism, increased national-international cultural exchange programmes, promotion of state functions and festivals, decentralisation of culture by establishing nine district cultural centres in Delhi etc. are some of the plans on which we are working to make Delhi a world class heritage city. (August 30, 2004)