Integrating Built Heritage in Development Planning: Small and Medium towns of Gurgaon District
Parul G Munjal
Parul G Munjal, Sushant, School of Art and Architecture, Ansal University, Gurgaon (Haryana), India.
Manuscript received on 12 February 2020 | Revised Manuscript received on 28 February 2020 | Manuscript Published on 10 March 2020 | PP: 77-87 | Volume-9 Issue-4S March 2020 | Retrieval Number: D10160394S20/2020©BEIESP | DOI: 10.35940/ijitee.D1016.0394S20
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© The Authors. Blue Eyes Intelligence Engineering and Sciences Publication (BEIESP). This is an open-access article under the CC-BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)
Abstract: Rapid growth of cities is a reality addressed in the formulation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a part of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Goal 11 proposes ‘improving urban planning and management through participatory and inclusive ways’ [1]. While this is an obvious ideal, the challenge lies in operationalizing it. In the many layers of a typical urban context in India, one is that of built heritage. One that is marginalized in the process of development planning, particularly in areas such as the Gurgaon District of Haryana that has seen unprecedented urban growth and transformation over the last few decades [2]. The study approaches sustainable development from the lens of built heritage and socio-cultural processes revolving around it in the given context. The research focus is on built heritage of small and medium towns in the Gurgaon District and its linkages with the physical, socio-political and developmental context. The towns of Sohna, Farrukhnagar and Garhi Harsaru in the District have been taken up for study. The three towns are spread across three different Development Plans prepared for Sohna, Farrukhanagar and Gurgaon-Manesar Urban Complex. A critique of the developmental planning approach highlights it’s disconnect with built heritage [3]. Mapping of the socio-political context and various on-ground processes of maintaining and managing of built heritage by the local community point towards connections with development that helps sustain the built heritage. There are community linkages, associations and values grounded in the context that play a significant role in the process. The study reveals that built heritage has an integral relationship with its physical and ecological context, and represents, along with being impacted by, social and political events in the past and present. Hence, historical as well as contemporary positions find a place in the narrative. The community led processes of present day are layered with meanings, understanding which can pave the way for a participatory and inclusive approach towards development, rather than forcing a one size fits all solution.
Keywords: Built Heritage, Community Linkages, Participatory Approach, Inclusive Approach, Sustainable Development, Planning.
Scope of the Article: Problem Solving and Planning