Experts call for state policy to safeguard Himalayan heritage

The need for a comprehensive policy to preserve Himachal’s rich cultural and architectural heritage dominated discussions at the three-day national conference on Himalayan Legacies: Exploring Histories, Heritage Practices, and Cultural Futures, held at the Bhuri Singh Museum in Chamba.

Experts warned that amid rapid development, the very foundations that supported mountain communities - ancestral homes, folk traditions and ecological wisdom - are being eroded by government policies that prioritise concrete over culture.

On the concluding day, Sachin Kumar, Principal of WRS Government College, cited the state’s Homestay Policy as a striking example of this contradiction. “Originally introduced to promote rural tourism and boost local economies, the policy ironically leads to the destruction of traditional Himachali homes,” he said. These century-old houses, made from local stone and mud, have survived harsh weather and time, yet are excluded from the scheme for not being pucca (concrete) structures with attached toilets.

The discussion extended beyond tourism, as Kumar emphasised that Chamba’s true worth lies not only in its temples and landscapes but also in its intangible cultural wealth - folk songs, Ritu Geets, oral storytelling and daily rituals reflecting the rhythms of mountain life. He described Chamba as “a mosaic of faith and functionality, where temples, churches, gurdwaras, and forts coexist - a testament to India’s pluralistic spirit.”

Kumar voiced concern over the absence of a comprehensive State Cultural Policy, despite reports in 2021 of its formulation. He cautioned that without “cultural democracy”, India risks being overtaken by majoritarian narratives that could homogenise its diversity. He called for a federal approach to cultural policy that respects regional voices and community autonomy.