Culture Minister Urges States to Intensify Preservation of British-Era Structures

Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat calls on states to better preserve British-era heritage sites, citing neglect and demolition risks. He highlights the historic value of district collectorates, courts, and railway stations as potential tourist attractions deserving conservation.

Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat has urged state governments to enhance their efforts in conserving British-era heritage sites. These historic structures, including district collectorates, courts, and railway stations, are at risk due to neglect and potential demolition. Shekhawat emphasized the necessity for states to treat these sites as valuable heritage assets.

Speaking in an exclusive interview, Shekhawat highlighted that many of these structures could become key tourist attractions if preserved properly. He pointed out that although the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) manages nearly 3,686 nationally significant sites, additional historic buildings fall under state jurisdiction. The minister appealed to states to allocate sufficient resources for their maintenance.

Shekhawat remarked on the recent destruction of some colonial-era sites, stressing the importance of preserving buildings that have surpassed the 100-year mark. Highlighting the architectural and historic significance of these British-era structures, he called for immediate state action to safeguard them from further demolition threats.