Civic body to host 3-day conference on heritage conservation in November

The city is part of the 25 Indian cities Indian Heritage Cities Network (IHCN) foundation and is the only one from Maharashtra,he said adding,“The select cities network aims at carrying out heritage conservation work by sharing knowledge with other cities.”

The PMC will hold the conference of IHCN from November 20-22 and hopes to be recognised internationally for the work of heritage conservation in the city.

“The theme of the conference will be ‘Economics of living heritage cities’,as it is one of the least explored issues in urban conservation works in India,despite being a crucial factor in ensuring sustainable conservation of India’s vast heritage. In order to obtain limited government funds and secure private investment,it was critical to understand the cost and benefits of heritage conservation and develop a sound argument regarding its overall economic impact,” Dhavale said.

Discussions will be held on the approach that focuses on the economic dimensions of heritage conservation,enabling leaders to rationalise the use of limited financial resources,make heritage projects more result oriented and develop efficient heritage policies.

“With the participation of international and national experts,the seminar will examine various approaches and methodologies to better understand the economic impact of heritage and address challenges faced in translating heritage conservation into quantifiable economic results,” one of the organisers said.

Cleanliness drive to be held to mark heritage walk anniversary

To mark the first anniversary of the Pune Heritage Walk,a cleanliness drive will be held at Ghorpade Ghat near PMC on Saturday. The drive will be organised by various volunteers and heritage team of NGO Janwani,who have been conducting the walks for a year.

More than 600 Indians and foreigners have participated in the walks that are organised in collaboration with the PMC. Prajakata Panshikar,consultant for heritage activities at Janwani,said walks were conducted regularly over weekends.

Shaniwarwada,Daktha Sheik Salla,Mandai,Bhaurangari are among the 18 sites that are visited.

“The heritage walks have also initiated the process of conservation and restoration within the PMC. We visit Shivaji Bridge and Ghorpade Ghat,among others,which have been neglected for long. To make these spots tourist-friendly,we have conducted walks for PMC officials as well,” she said.

Another achievement has been the pace at which heritage restoration work in Nanawada and Vishrambaugwada has been undertaken.

“Officers who come for the walks are able to gauge the urgency of certain provisions and act accordingly,” she said.