Archive · 1 Dec 2025
Heritage as Growth Driver in South Calcutta
A big boss in Calcutta said that old buildings should not be seen as a burden but as a way to make money.
He gave examples of cafes in south Calcutta that are in old, fixed-up houses.
These cafes attract tourists, make money, and give jobs to young people.
He thinks the government should make rules that help people take care of old buildings in a way that also helps the economy.
He said this at a big meeting where people talked about how to use Calcutta’s history to make the city better.
Heritage should be seen as a potential money-maker, not a burden, according to Alapan Bandyopadhyay.
South Calcutta cafes operate out of restored old houses, attracting tourists and generating revenue.
Bandyopadhyay cited examples like a 100-year-old house on Sadananda Road turned into a cafe and co-working space.
He emphasized the need for public policies that enable economically viable heritage conservation.
The discussion was part of an annual Leadership Conclave organized by the CII-Indian Women Network’s Bengal chapter.
- Who
- Alapan Bandyopadhyay, Chairman of the State Heritage Commission and Chief Adviser to CM Mamata Banerjee
- What
- A discussion on rethinking heritage conservation to make it economically viable
- When
- Saturday (specific date not mentioned)
- Where
- South Calcutta, during a Leadership Conclave organized by CII-Indian Women Network’s Bengal chapter
- Why
- To explore how Bengal’s heritage can shape a more balanced and sustainable future
- Event
- Leadership Conclave organized by CII-Indian Women Network’s Bengal chapter
- Speaker
- Alapan Bandyopadhyay, Chairman of State Heritage Commission and CM Adviser
- Location
- South Calcutta, specifically Deshapriya Park, Hindusthan Park, Rashbehari Avenue
- Key Example
- A 100-year-old house on Sadananda Road turned into a cafe and co-working space
- Proposed Solution
- Public policies enabling economically viable heritage conservation