Deep ecology and urban conservation principles for urban villages

Abstract

This chapter argues for a planning framework that uses deep ecology as value and urban conservation principles as strategy, to develop and manage heritage villages in cities in a manner that is responsive to the local sense of place. It provides a brief historical overview of the status and value of Delhi's Villages prior to the new role of the historic urban villages as sites of elite tourism and consumption. It then traces the different stages of the long history of Hauz Khas Village in particular, to its current re-making as an authentic village for privileged urbanites. The chapter turns to a conceptual discussion linking the principles of deep ecology and urban conservation as a framework for planning urban villages. Urban historic residential village precincts are rife with intangible heritage such as customs and beliefs that frame lifestyles based on the geography, history and ecology of place.