Experts Call for State Policy to Safeguard Himalayan Heritage
The three-day national conference titled "Himalayan Legacies: Exploring Histories, Heritage Practices, and Cultural Futures," held at the Bhuri Singh Museum in Chamba, focused on the urgent need for a comprehensive policy to protect Himachal Pradesh’s cultural and architectural heritage. Participants expressed concern that rapid urbanization and government priorities are undermining traditional mountain life, where ancestral homes, folk traditions, and ecological practices form the social fabric.
Several speakers warned that development models emphasizing infrastructure and concrete construction often neglect the region’s historical identity. They underscored that unchecked modernization risks erasing the distinctive features that define Himachal’s cultural character.
Contradictions in Homestay Initiatives
On the final day, Sachin Kumar, Principal of WRS Government College, highlighted contradictions in the state’s Homestay Policy, which was introduced to promote rural tourism and local economic growth.
“Originally introduced to promote rural tourism and boost local economies, the policy ironically leads to the destruction of traditional Himachali homes,” he said.
According to Kumar, century-old houses built of local stone and mud have endured harsh mountain conditions but are excluded from the scheme because they are not concrete structures with attached toilets. This exclusion, he argued, discourages the preservation of authentic Himachali architecture.
The True Essence of Chamba
The discussion also explored Chamba’s broader cultural and spiritual significance beyond its physical landmarks. Kumar pointed out that the district’s true richness lies in its intangible heritage—folk songs, Ritu Geets, oral storytelling, and daily customs that embody the rhythm of mountain life.
He described Chamba as “a mosaic of faith and functionality, where temples, churches, gurdwaras, and forts coexist—a testament to India’s pluralistic spirit.”
Experts concluded that preserving both tangible and intangible aspects of this heritage requires policies that respect tradition while fostering sustainable progress.
Author’s Summary
A national conference in Chamba urged state action to protect Himachal’s ancient homes and living traditions from policies that favor modern infrastructure over cultural sustainability.