Revitalizing Heritage Cities: An Updated Vision for HRIDAY 2015

Policy Update
Anamitra Sinha

Background

The “National Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana” (HRIDAY), initiated on January 21, 2015, by the Ministry of Tourism, marked a watershed moment in India’s urban planning and heritage conservation. The scheme sought to harmonize the preservation of India’s rich cultural legacy with modern urban development. Over its implementation period, HRIDAY brought significant improvements to civic infrastructure in 12 heritage cities, creating a foundation for preserving these regions’ architectural and cultural essence.

The scheme’s vision was timely, given India’s rapid urbanization. However, as the HRIDAY mission ended on March 31, 2019, emerging challenges—such as climate change, digital disruptions, and evolving tourism dynamics—necessitate a more adaptive and futuristic approach. The need to expand this initiative stems from the increasing vulnerabilities faced by heritage cities, where infrastructure demands, environmental risks, and the pressures of modernization often clash with the imperatives of cultural preservation. HRIDAY 2.0 aims to bridge this gap by addressing contemporary issues through innovation, inclusivity, and resilience.

Functioning

HRIDAY’s implementation revolved around integrating heritage conservation with urban infrastructure development. Twelve cities—Ajmer, Amaravati, Amritsar, Badami, Dwarka, Gaya, Kanchipuram, Mathura, Puri, Varanasi, Velankanni, and Warangal—were chosen for their historical and cultural significance. A budget allocation of ₹500 crore focused on upgrading key civic amenities and restoring heritage assets. But what did this mean for the cities and their residents in practice?

For instance, in Varanasi, HRIDAY facilitated the restoration of ghats along the Ganges River, enhancing their cultural and religious significance while improving sanitation and lighting systems. Similarly, in Amritsar, the rejuvenation of the area around the Golden Temple created a pedestrian-friendly environment, making it more accessible for the millions of pilgrims who visit annually. These efforts exemplified how urban planning could respect cultural sensitivities while addressing modern infrastructural needs.

However, challenges also surfaced. Projects often faced delays due to bureaucratic hurdles, insufficient community involvement, and the lack of a comprehensive monitoring framework. This underscores the importance of refining the approach for future iterations of the program.

Impact

The HRIDAY initiative left a lasting imprint on the urban and cultural landscapes of the participating cities. From an urban development perspective, HRIDAY catalyzed the creation of better sanitation systems, improved pedestrian access, and more efficient waste management systems in heritage zones. This led to tangible benefits such as improved health outcomes and increased local pride.

Tourism also flourished as cities like Puri and Dwarka saw a marked increase in domestic and international visitors. Enhanced amenities and the preservation of iconic landmarks boosted these cities’ profiles on the global tourism map. According to a 2019 report by the Ministry of Tourism, cities under HRIDAY recorded an average annual increase of 15% in tourist footfall during the scheme’s implementation.

Yet, these achievements were not uniformly distributed. Smaller cities like Badami struggled to fully realize the scheme’s potential due to resource constraints and less developed tourism ecosystems. Moreover, the lack of adequate community participation in some areas resulted in projects that did not fully align with local needs and aspirations.

Way Forward

The lessons from HRIDAY’s first phase form the bedrock for the proposed HRIDAY 2.0. By integrating contemporary challenges such as climate resilience, digital transformation, and inclusive urban design, HRIDAY 2.0 aims to position heritage cities as thriving cultural and economic hubs.

  • Strengthening Urban Heritage Management

One of the critical gaps in the original HRIDAY was the absence of structured governance mechanisms tailored to heritage management. HRIDAY 2.0 envisions the establishment of dedicated Heritage Management Boards (HMBs) in each city, comprising local authorities, urban planners, historians, and community representatives. These boards will oversee the preservation and adaptive reuse of heritage assets.

Additionally, technology will play a central role. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) will be used to map and document heritage assets comprehensively. For example, GIS-based tools can monitor the structural health of monuments in earthquake-prone areas, ensuring timely interventions.

  • Enhancing Civic Infrastructure

Modernizing civic infrastructure in heritage cities requires balancing historical preservation with contemporary needs. HRIDAY 2.0 proposes a shift towards smart infrastructure solutions. For example, renewable energy systems such as solar lighting can be introduced in heritage zones to reduce energy consumption. Similarly, water-sensitive urban designs, including rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling systems, can be implemented to address water scarcity.

Electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure will also be prioritized, creating low-emission zones around heritage sites to reduce air pollution. In cities like Varanasi, which grapple with vehicular congestion, such measures can significantly improve the environment and visitor experience.

  • Promoting Sustainable Tourism

Tourism is both an opportunity and a challenge for heritage cities. HRIDAY 2.0’s tourism strategy emphasizes sustainability and technology-driven experiences. For instance, mobile applications can offer digital storytelling features, allowing tourists to access historical narratives, architectural insights, and cultural anecdotes in real time. Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) can recreate historical events or structures, enriching the visitor experience.

Eco-tourism initiatives, such as guided heritage trails through lesser-known parts of cities, can distribute tourism benefits more evenly. For example, in a city like Amritsar, lesser-visited historical landmarks could be linked to the main tourist circuit, providing a more holistic experience.

  • Empowering Local Communities

Community involvement is the cornerstone of sustainable heritage conservation. HRIDAY 2.0 will prioritize capacity-building programs for local artisans, guides, and entrepreneurs. For example, workshops on traditional crafts can revive dying art forms while providing economic opportunities. Microfinance schemes will support small businesses tied to heritage-related activities, such as handloom weaving in Kanchipuram or brassware production in Varanasi.

Moreover, HRIDAY 2.0 will encourage the formation of local heritage committees, giving residents a direct voice in decision-making processes. This will ensure that development projects align with local needs and cultural values.

  • Building Climate Resilience

Heritage cities are increasingly vulnerable to climate risks, including flooding, heatwaves, and rising sea levels. HRIDAY 2.0 will integrate climate-responsive designs into urban planning. For instance, flood-resistant infrastructure can be developed for cities like Puri, which face recurrent cyclones.

Green building practices, such as using locally sourced materials and energy-efficient designs, will be mandated for all new constructions in heritage zones. Additionally, disaster risk management plans will be tailored to protect heritage assets, with community drills and early warning systems in place.

Implementation Strategy

HRIDAY 2.0 will be rolled out in a phased manner, beginning with pilot projects in three cities: Varanasi, Amritsar, and Badami. These cities represent diverse challenges and opportunities, making them ideal testbeds for refining the initiative.

Stakeholder collaboration will be central to the implementation strategy. Partnerships with NGOs, private investors, and international heritage organizations will be fostered to bring in expertise and funding. Citizen engagement will also be prioritized through public consultations, ensuring that the program resonates with local aspirations.

Expected Benefits

For residents, HRIDAY 2.0 promises a higher quality of life through better infrastructure and preserved cultural identity. Tourists will benefit from enriched experiences, making India’s heritage cities globally competitive destinations. Businesses will gain expanded markets and investment opportunities, while local authorities will see increased revenue and strengthened governance capacities.

References

About the Contributor: Anamitra Sinha, Policy Research Intern at IMPRI Institute and Master’s student in Development, Policy Planning, and Practice at Tata Institute of Social Science, School of Rural Development, Tuljapur (Off-Campus).

Acknowledgment: This article was reviewed by IMPRI experts and other collaborators.

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