HRIDAY full form is Heritage City Development And Augmentation Yojana. On January 21, 2015, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs introduced the HRIDAY scheme, officially known as the National Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana. The primary objective of this scheme is to safeguard and revive the abundant cultural heritage of the nation. The HRIDAY scheme conserves heritage and urban planning and promotes economic growth in heritage cities. It emphasizes enhancing accessibility, security, safety, livelihood opportunities, cleanliness, and prompt service delivery within these cities.

Features 

The HRIDAY program, launched by India’s Ministry of Urban Development in 2015 and concluding in March 2019, aimed to enhance heritage cities cultural essence, infrastructure, and tourist appeal with a 500 crore budget funded by the Union government.

Objective

The official HRIDAY Scheme statement sets out the following quantifiable goals for urban development in heritage cities:

• When planning, developing, and implementing infrastructure, we prioritize the preservation of heritage sites. We ensure that our actions are considerate of the historical significance of these areas, balancing modern needs with preserving the essence of the past.

• Our aim is to renovate and preserve heritage sites in a way that allows tourists to truly connect with the unique character of each historic city. We want visitors to experience the rich history and culture that these cities have to offer.
• We create comprehensive inventories of each city’s heritage assets, including built structures, cultural landmarks, living traditions, and natural wonders. These inventories serve as valuable resources for urban planning, guiding future growth, and service delivery.
• We focus on improving essential services such as sanitation, security, and tourist facilities within heritage areas. This includes providing public toilets, water taps, street lighting, and other amenities to ensure the comfort and safety of residents and visitors alike.
• We foster connections between cultural institutions, tourism initiatives, and heritage conservation efforts. By promoting collaboration and capacity building among local industries, we aim to enhance the overall experience for tourists while preserving the unique heritage of each city.
• We employ adaptive maintenance techniques and appropriate technologies to rehabilitate historic structures, integrating modern conveniences without compromising their architectural integrity. We also encourage public-private partnerships to ensure the ongoing preservation and maintenance of these buildings.

Cities Under Hriday Scheme

• Ajmer 
• Amaravati
• Amritsar
• Badami
• Dwarka
• Gaya
• Kancheepuram
• Velankanni
• Varanasi
• Puri 
• Badami
• Warangal.

Components 

The HRIDAY program aimed to revive designated heritage cities by tackling four key areas: physical infrastructure, economic infrastructure, social infrastructure, and institutional infrastructure.

The aim was to revive the essence and spirit of these cities.

• A Heritage Management plan is formulated subsequent to the documentation and mapping of heritage assets in a specific city, using Geographic Information System (GIS) technology.

• Heritage revitalization involves enhancing city services by establishing museums, organizing fairs, festivals, and cultural events, and integrating heritage sites with other local municipal services.

• The development of knowledge and skills for heritage cities involves creating various informational materials, including websites, city maps, catalogues, brochures, digital display boards, and directional signage. Moreover, it includes offering training programs for local tour guides, craftsmen, and artisans.

Implementation

• The Government of India is providing 100% funding for the scheme.
• A total allocation of Rs 500 Crores has been designated for the scheme.
• The scheme will be executed in a mission mode.
• Either the National Mission Directorate or City Mission Directorate, in collaboration with state parastatals or reputable NGOs, will oversee the implementation.
• Each city will receive funds based on its population and size.
• Examples of fund allocation include Rs 40.04 Crores for Ajmer (Rajasthan), Rs 22.26 Crores for Amaravati (Andhra Pradesh), and Rs 69.31 Crores for Amritsar (Punjab).
• The scheme is projected to conclude within a four-year timeframe, utilizing the allocated funds from the Government of India.

Impact 

The program effectively connected key civic projects with heritage sites, balancing modern development with cultural preservation, leading to significant progress in urban infrastructure redevelopment near historical, religious, cultural, and tourist landmarks.

• The scheme supported the linkage between the core heritage sites and civic infrastructure projects. It also played an important role in revitalising urban infrastructure for areas around the cities’ heritage, religious, cultural, and tourism assets.
• Around 59 roads to heritage sites in Varanasi, Amaravati, Ajmer, and Amritsar were completed. Public parks and gardens in the cities of Amritsar, Puri, and Ajmer were rejuvenated.

Benefits

The HRIDAY Scheme brings forth several notable benefits:

Heritage Conservation: The scheme focuses on preserving and revitalizing heritage sites, ensuring their cultural and historical significance endures.

Urban Development: HRIDAY promotes comprehensive development in heritage cities, fostering growth while maintaining the city’s unique character.

Tourism Promotion: Restoration and enhancement of heritage sites attract tourists, boosting local tourism and generating economic opportunities.

Community Engagement: The scheme involves local communities, encouraging their participation in preserving and promoting their heritage.

Livelihood Opportunities: HRIDAY generates employment through various restoration, tourism, and skill development initiatives.

Infrastructure Improvement: Heritage cities witness infrastructure upgrades, including better roads, lighting, sanitation, and amenities.

Skill Development: The scheme supports skill development programs related to heritage management, benefiting the local workforce.

Revitalized Public Spaces: HRIDAY enhances public spaces, making them more usable, aesthetically pleasing, and conducive to community interaction.

Preservation of Traditions: Traditional art forms, crafts, and cultural practices gain a platform for preservation and revival.

Environmental Impact: The scheme’s initiatives often include greening and beautification efforts, contributing to improved urban environments.

Improved Quality of Life: Overall enhancement of heritage cities positively impacts residents quality of life and well-being.

Pride and Identity: HRIDAY instills a sense of pride and identity among residents, fostering a deeper connection to their cultural heritage.

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