PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
The provisional State capital Dehradun continues to be affected by the lack of a Heritage Act or a dedicated heritage cell, a gap that experts say continues to challenge efforts to conserve the city’s historic buildings amid steady urban growth. Heritage experts state that the authorities lack an institutional mechanism, resulting in redevelopment decisions being taken without formal heritage listing or impact assessment. However, the Municipal Corporation of Dehradun (MCD) is working on raising awareness and documentation.
Experts emphasise that systematic listing of old structures is the foundation of any conservation policy. Precincts and buildings such as the Clock Tower area, the Seth Mansaram building, the Old Court complex and heritage-era properties along Rajpur Road have long been associated with Dehradun’s urban character. Some of these structures have already been altered or deteriorated, while others remain vulnerable due to the absence of statutory protection.
“The lack of a dedicated heritage mechanism has caused long-term damage to Dehradun’s architectural legacy,” said local heritage activist Lokesh Ohri. He added that once historic buildings are lost, they cannot be meaningfully restored.
The municipal commissioner Namami Bansal said that the MCD is working in coordination with organisations such as the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) on heritage-related matters. Officials indicate that these collaborations are aimed at improving awareness and documentation, even as formal legal frameworks are still evolving.
Dehradun’s rapid expansion has increased pressure on older neighbourhoods. Heritage enthusiasts caution that without a Heritage Act or a heritage cell, the city’s historical identity could gradually fade from the built landscape.
