Govt to make Army save heritage

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New Delhi: The British left behind an exquisite architectural heritage in the army cantonments with their barracks, churches and cemeteries. For long nothing was done to conserve them.

In 1929, Field Marshall Sir William Birdwood, the chief of the Indian Britsh Army laid the foundation stone of the St Martin's Church. For 77 years since the church has only seen neglect.

Signs of neglect are everywhere. Heavy seepage has harmed the church's dome with the cement plaster missing and cracks on the walls only painted without restoration. And the church doubling up as a makeshift school and a store for neighbours.

But all that is set to change with heritage byelaws for the cantonments. Now, the Government is all set to make it mandatory for cantonment areas follow heritage laws.

''This law means that areas where we have built heritage will not fall into the hands of open market,'' said Urban Designer K T Ravindran.

Conservationists say that the 62 cantonments and 650 military stations in India have the finest examples of unspoilt built heritage. Like the Gopinath market in Delhi Cantonment, which still has some British architecture remnants. This was the third establishment of the British Indian Army in Delhi – the first cantonment being in North Delhi and the second in Daryaganj.

''It is significant because it will not only protect heritage in the cantonments but also areas around it. And that means that the cantonment will show the way forward,'' said Conservation Architect Ratish Nanda.

The new law ensures that:

• The Army follows schemes of restricting construction and development plans in the cantonment area.

• It will also ensure preemptive measures to protect heritage.

• Any construction in the area will need permission from the cantonment board in case it affects a heritage building.

• Any construction disfiguring a heritage site can be challenged in the court of law.

• Board would conserve and maintain ancient and historical monuments.

For the so far neglected Army heritage across the country, Government intervention is perhaps the only sure way for survival.