Archive · 21 Aug 2026
Delhi Master Plan Calls for Stronger Heritage Conservation
Delhi has many old buildings and monuments that tell the story of the city.
A new plan for Delhi up to 2047 says many of these places are in serious danger.
Some are being damaged by illegal construction, neglect, unsuitable uses or careless rebuilding.
The plan counts 1,459 identified heritage assets.
It suggests creating special heritage teams to look after them.
These teams would check the buildings regularly and help raise money for repairs.
The plan also supports giving old buildings new uses, as long as their important historic features remain.
It wants areas with many historic places to be protected as heritage zones and cultural precincts.
The goal is to develop Delhi while keeping its history and character safe.
The Master Plan of Delhi 2047 says many heritage buildings and monuments face severe threats from encroachment, disrepair, incompatible use and insensitive alterations.
The plan identifies 1,459 heritage assets across Delhi, including protected monuments, heritage buildings, historic precincts and cultural landscapes.
It proposes heritage cells, regular monitoring, heritage funds, adaptive reuse and support for owners conserving heritage properties.
Heritage zones include the Walled City, parts of the Lutyens’ Bungalow Zone and the Civil Lines Bungalow Area.
The plan says historic architectural features, especially building facades, must be retained even when adaptive reuse or modifications are allowed.
- Who
- The Government of Delhi and agencies responsible for heritage assets, including the Archaeological Survey of India, the Delhi state archaeology department and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi.
- What
- The Master Plan of Delhi 2047 sets out stronger conservation, monitoring and management measures for the city’s heritage buildings, monuments and cultural areas.
- When
- The plan was unveiled on Thursday, Aug. 21.
- Where
- Delhi, including heritage areas such as the Walled City, the Lutyens’ Bungalow Zone and the Civil Lines Bungalow Area.
- Why
- Many heritage assets are reportedly under severe threat from encroachment, disrepair, incompatible use and insensitive reconstruction or alteration.
- Plan
- Master Plan of Delhi 2047
- Identified heritage assets
- 1,459
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites
- Humayun’s Tomb complex, Red Fort complex and Qutub Minar complex
- Proposed management
- Local bodies or concerned agencies would establish heritage cells and heritage funds.
- Monitoring
- Heritage assets would be assessed regularly for their condition and conservation or infrastructure needs.
- Heritage zones
- The Walled City, including Chandni Chowk, parts of the Lutyens’ Bungalow Zone and the Civil Lines Bungalow Area.
- Conservation rule
- Significant architectural features, particularly facades, should be retained, preserved and maintained.