5 days ago

Delhi Heritage Havelis Set for Restoration, Reuse and Incentives

Delhi has many very old homes and buildings called havelis.

A new city plan aims to protect these buildings while giving them useful new purposes.

Some could become hotels, offices, museums, libraries or cultural spaces.

Owners could receive a financial benefit for preserving their heritage properties.

This benefit would come through transferable development rights, known as TDR.

Any changes must keep the important historic character of the buildings.

Officials must approve the work and check its effect on heritage.

Fire and life-safety rules will still apply.

The plan says some old buildings have already been restored or turned into hotels in Chandni Chowk.

Key facts

Heritage properties: Delhi has more than 1,300 privately owned heritage properties.
Havelis: About 550 of the privately owned heritage properties are havelis.
Main location: Most are in the Walled City of Shahjahanabad.
Permitted uses: Potential uses include hotels, offices, museums, libraries, craft centres and cultural performance spaces.
Required safeguards: Projects need statutory approval, a heritage impact assessment, preservation of heritage character, and fire and life-safety measures.
Financial incentive: Heritage properties are eligible for an incentive FAR of 50 through transferable development rights.
Existing examples: Officials said two Chandni Chowk havelis have become hotels, while two others were restored and remain occupied by their owners’ families.

thehansindia.com · 5 days ago