Upgradation plan for the prohibited area of historical monument: case study tomb of Akbar, Sikandra Agra

Abstract

Ancient Monument refer‟s to any structure, erection or monument, or any tumulus or place of interment, which is of historical, archaeological or artistic interest and which has been in existence for not less than 100 years (AMASR Act, 1958). The Ancient Monument have Protected Area, Prohibited Area, Regulated Area having certain rules and regulations which separate the monument from other areas defined as per Ancient Monuments and Archeological Sites and Remains (Amendment and Validation) Act, 2010. “Prohibited Area “ as every area, beginning at the limit of protected monument extending to a distance of 100 m in all directions and “Regulated Area” as every area, beginning at the limit of prohibited area extending to a distance of 200 m in all directions. The historical monuments are threatened by blurring of the local character, the weakening of their meaning and heritage, actions of residents and users of historic areas, unprecedented urban growth and urban development. Today, historic places are symbols of the city‟s image and are key geographic factors. Hence, it‟s essential to conserve them by upgrading the character of the place. The Upgradation plan of the protected area which is based on user‟s value (social, cultural, psychological, and economic) and professional values (aesthetic and historic) so as to promote urban quality, balanced urbanization between social cohesion, economic development and heritage conservation.Urbanization is increasing from 17.97% in 1961, to 27.78% in 2001 and now, it is 31.16% (2011 Census) which cause migration, thus encroachment and illegal construction around monument started due to exponential rise in rental costs and property speculation are forcing tenants to leave their homes, their districts and their familiar environment. Aim of the study is “to plan for the prohibited area along the Tomb boundary as per ASI Statute.” and to achieve this aim, objectives set “to study the impact of surrounding area on the monument; to identify and assess the issues affecting the monument and surrounding inhabitants; to address the identified issues”. Since, most of the monuments and world heritage sites are surrounded by historic settlements and the Tomb of Akbar is a beacon of Mughal style of Architecture; It was built in 1605-1613, set in the grounds in Sikandra, was a suburb of Agra. It has gained more importance from the purview of Indian tourist (around 4 lac Indian tourist come every year). Now, the major issues faced by the tomb are – diminishing visibility/ambience destroying the façade ; Unauthorized construction in Regulated and Prohibited area causing waste disposal along the boundary wall; rapid growth of settlements from the past 20 years in terms of both spread and density leading to threat of losing identity of monument. Other issues, faced by the inhabitants – there are seven colonies coming under Prohibited and Regulated area out of which only two are regularized and others are facing problems of – house flooding, unhygienic environment, waste disposal anywhere in large volume, narrow streets, open drainage, choking of drains, sharing of four submersible pumps by 52 households, deteriorated condition of buildings, unemployment (though it‟s not a spatial issue but an important causative factor for degrading condition of some colonies) Priority ranking of issues is done based on these parameters to identify most effected colonies. These colonies falling under prohibited area divided into different zones based on relocation of small dwelling units in identified site under U.P. Housing Board and compensation to be paid (to large dwelling units). Landscaping and other activities which are allowed in prohibited area is proposed and due consideration is given to environmental sustainability.