State to rediscover its heritage

Gurugram, June 19

Taking lessons from neighbouring Delhi and Rajasthan that are riding high on heritage tourism, the Department of Archaeology in the state has not only started a survey but also asked people to inform it about any heritage property in their area.

People have been asked to write to the department about any ‘haveli’ (traditional mansion) or ‘baoli’ (stepwell) or ‘chhatri’ (elevated, dome-shaped pavilion) in their area that is around 100 years old even if it is in bad shape or encroached upon.

“Haryana has a rich archaeological heritage. But it is unfortunate that state residents themselves are unaware of it. Be it forts or check dams, we have the finest architectural and engineering marvels that are collapsing for want of maintenance and need to be preserved. So, we have started a statewide survey of such forgotten heritage monuments and private properties and adding them to our ‘protected list’. However, we need local citizens’ help for this,” said Praveen Kumar, Director, Department of Archaeology.

Following inputs, the department has added 40 properties to its ‘protected list’ and started revival of others like Badshahpur Baoli in Gurugram. It plans to revive ‘baolis’ and ‘havelis’ and eventually go the Rajasthan way to turn these into heritage hotels or tourist spots. — TNS