Industrial Heritage in India: challenges as well as issues in its identification, protection and management

Abstract

This article explores the concept of Industrial Heritage and its relevance within the Indian context. Conservation in India has unique challenges arising out of the limited protection framework, the complexity of heritage resources and limited awareness and priority. The main issues confronting the preservation of Industrial Heritage sites in India are related to its lack of identification as a cultural resource and lack of awareness in local communities due to their perception and attitudes towards it. But the question has remained as to how to generate public opinion towards the need to preserve and promote our industrial heritage in a holistic manner, for its conservation as a cultural legacy and part of our identities in this globalizing world. This article explores the challenges in documenting, protecting, restoring, and managing Industrial Heritage sites in India, drawing upon personal experience of the last 27 years in attempting to conserve them.