CONSERVATION Conservation of Forts in through Appropriate Tourism Development Policy Prof. Parag Govardhan Narkhede and Ms. Imelda Morris

Janjira

Understanding the ourism in the form of activity ism and the environment which helps symbiotic relation influences the regions where it to develop the policy for tourism de- Tis developed and received with velopment of an area and imposition between tourism economic, social, cultural, and environ- of the special limits. Thus, the tourism initiatives and heritage mental dimensions. In most of the de- does not lead to the degradation of of a region velopment programmes and studies, the environment and in long terms to focus is given only on the economic the tourist disdain of an area, but it and social dimensions where as envi- helps in its protection or its conserva- ronmental dimension is under estimat- tion. In other words, the environment ed or ignored. Therefore, it is essential influences the tourism and vice versa. to maintain the balance between tour- The environment of the region is nega-

1 6 ARCHITECTURE - Time Space & People March 2011 tively influenced most times by the in- there is a need to educate people and POPULAR FORTS IN crease of tourism, whereas the growth to create employment in order to fight MAHARASHTRA of tourism depends on the quality and poverty and misery. One way to deal Fort characteristics of the environment. with this problem is to find the carry- is one of the best de- Thus it becomes necessary to conserve ing capacity. Any tourism beyond the signed forts in the entire state of Ma- and preserve the forts in Maharashtra acceptable carrying capacity should harashtra. At the same time, it is also which would not only develop tourism be strictly prohibited. The carrying counted amongst the impregnable but also raise the economic, social, cul- capacity can be in relation to environ- forts of . The fort is situated in the tural, and environmental dimensions ment, social and economical. In the and dates back to of the Maharashtra state. environmental approach, it is defined the year 1559. Maharashtra is the third largest state as the ability of natural resources and of India, both in area and population. It the ecosystem to support the tourism is located on the west coast line along development. Shelby (1987) proposed Daulatabad Fort is a magnificent fort the lush green region. Nestled more general definition for carrying situated in Maharashtra, at a distance in the and the Sahyadri capacity: The level of use of an area of around 13 km from the mountain range are several hill stations without exceeding the certain levels. city. It forms a part of the Daulatabad and water reservoirs with semi-ever- city, which was earlier known as ‘Devi- green and deciduous forests. The Vid- TOURISM DEVELOPMENT giri’. The fort, perched at a height of ap- harba region of Maharashtra, with its According to the Oxford Dictionary, proximately 60 ft and dates back to the dense forests, is home to 350 odd forts, the meaning of the word “TOURISM” 12th century. beaten by the sea waves, lashed at by is a Business of providing accommo- the torrential Deccan rains, or scorched dation and services for Tourist who Fort in the blazing sun, stand imposing with visits a place for pleasure. is situated at a distance of ramparts and crumbling walls. There are a number of reasons approximately 19 km from the Nowhere in the country would you why carrying capacity can benefit city of Maharashtra. Counted amongst encounter such a profusion of forts Maharashtra, the largest as well as most significant and such variety. Sited on an island, 1. The tourist destinations absorb forts of the Deccan region of India, it as Murud-Janjira or , or the tourism growth before stands perched at an altitude of around guarding the seas as at Bassein or up the negative results become 850 m above the sea level. amidst the Sahyadries, as at Torna and perceptibility by host community. Raigad, whose ziz-zag walls and round- 2. Visitors will experience the quality Janjira Fort ed bastions sit like a scepter and crown service in the form of food, Janjira Fort is situated in the Murud amidst hills turned mauve. accommodation and transport. town of Maharashtra. Infact, the Is- Tourism today becomes a major in- 3. It helps to plan the tourism in land Fort serves as one of the major dustry. Local people get employed and such a way that it is not a burden attractions of the town. Murud served government gets foreign exchange. In to any part of the area. as the erstwhile capital of the 1989, nearly 13lakhs foreign tourists 4. Material and technical rulers of Janjira in the earlier times. visited India. The number increased infrastructure helps to save Today, Janjira is counted amongst the by 5.3% in 1990. India also made con- the energy, the guaranteed few sea forts of India and lies 2 km in- siderable progress in local tourism. In cleaning of waste and the side the town. 1989, nearly 5crore Indians reported to taking of remedial measures have taken out tours to various places for the protection of local in the country. environment and Raigad Fort is a magnificent hill -for Maharashtra is well linked by good 5. It helps the management tress, situated in the of transportation network to major cities/ to plan the strategy which Maharashtra. It lies approximately 125 growth centers all over India. reflect a predetermined set of km away from and serves as one There is a need to preserve and environmentally and socially of the major excursion of the city. The protect the forts and at the same time desirable conditions fort once served as the capital of Chha-

March 2011 ARCHITECTURE - Time Space & People 1 7 Raigad Fort

Shivneri Fort trapati , the Great king, city is the Fort, which lies in in the 1674. the vicinity of the city. The fort stands perched on a hill, at an altitude of ap- . It is situated in the Fort proximately 700 m above the land- . Shivneri Fort is one of the most mag- scape that surrounds it. The height nificent as well as historically rich forts at which the fort stands has made it CONSERVATION ETHICS of India. It is situated at a distance of very popular. AND IMPORTANCE OF approximately 90 km from the Pune STRUCTURAL ASPECTS city of Maharashtra. The fort dates Sindhudurg Fort 1. Ethics in Conservation : back to the time period when Shivaji Maharashtra is known for its rich his- Standard ethics to be observed are, was not born yet. Shivneri Fort was torical legacy. The land has been a i. The structural condition of built under the aegis of Sahaji. silent witness to some of the most the building, before any interven- gruesome battles that have been tion and all methods and the mate- Sinhagad Fort fought in India. One such symbol of rial used during the treatment must Adding to the attraction of the Pune the rich historical past is the mighty be fully documented intervention.

1 8 ARCHITECTURE - Time Space & People March 2011 • Initial inspections • Continued documentation

3. Degrees of intervention : • Prevention of deterioration (passive conservation) • Preservation • Consolidation • Restoration • Rehabilitation • Reproduction • Reconstruction

4. Values in Conservation : Emotional Values:- • Wonder • Identity • Continuity • Spiritual and symbolic

Cultural Values:- • Documentary • Historic • Archaeology • Aesthetic and symbolic • Architectural • Townscape, landscape & ecological • Scientific and technological

Use Values:- • Functional • Economic

Shivneri Fort • Social • Political

ii. Historic evidence must not be de- iii. Not hinder the possibility of later MATERIAL HERITAGE stroyed, falsified or removed access to all the evidence. Emphasis must be given to organic for authenticity. iv. Allow maximum amount of material and dissemination of iii. Any intervention must be the existing material to be retained. conservation techniques. minimum necessary. v. Be harmonious in color, tone, • Conservation of oil paintings : iv. Any intervention must be governed texture, form and scale. It also miniature paintings, painting on by unswerving respect for the should be easily identifiable. cloth, wood, ivory, etc. textile, aesthetic, historical and physical vi. Should sufficiently be qualified manuscripts, books, photographs, integrity of the cultural property. in various aspects and thus it metal objects, ivories, leather, becomes multidisciplinary. other art objects, artifacts and Any proposed intervention should be: ethnographic material. i. Reversible 2. Procedures of Conservations : • Survey of areas and buildings : to ii. Not prejudice for future intervention • Inventories document mural painting sites

March 2011 ARCHITECTURE - Time Space & People 1 9 and other historical structure with popular that they are always crowded. majority of the tourists arranged their their conservation requirements So it is difficult to get accommodation own vehicles to reach to the sites, so along with proper photographic during the peak season. In a survey, this creates the traffic problem at the documentation. it was found that most of the tourists tourist places and they do not get • Conservation of wall paintings : (98%) book the accommodation well in enough place to park their vehicles. bas-reliefs, moldings, carvings etc. advance. Though it is done in advance on palaces, forts, temples and but the tourists are not happy with the D) Environmental Impact: other buildings. room layout of the hotel. To accommo- Most of the surveyed respondents(89%) • Survey of museums and private/ date more people in a limited place the experienced that there would be maxi- corporate collections : to assess hotel owners provide less amenities as mum negative impact on the environ- the condition of objects, need for compared to the required standards. ment as a result of developing tourism. conservation treatment storage So it makes the place congested and They experienced that forests degra- and display. • Training in preventive conservation of art objects : training in repair, restoration and curative conservation of art objects and antiquities. • Organization of workshops and exhibitions : to create awareness for preservation of cultural property. • Organization of seminars : related to preservation of heritage. • Publications : on conservation, surveys carried out, seminars conducted and projects undertaken.

SUGGESTIONS & DISCUSSIONS Information with respect to tourism experience, environmental impact and the need of carrying capacity 1. The findings are explained below: A) Tourism Experience: Fort Jadhavgadh It is observed that most of the respon- dents enjoyed visiting all the different crowded causing inconvenience to dation might take place in and around tourists’ destinations of Maharashtra. the tourists. Due to this, majority of because of tremendous demands for They have visited these places dur- tourists (86%) are unhappy about it area of hotels and restaurants. The ing weekends and vacations. Some where as only few people are happy degradation of surrounding environ- respondents had been to these places with accommodation as the stay is in ment and forests might lead to the loss during weekdays also. Tourist’s plac- the bungalows or farm houses. of energy, wild life and beauty of the es are always crowded as they are area. They further emphasized that ig- more popular. C) Transport problems: norance and lack of awareness at these During the survey, it was found that sites may lead to increased accumu- B) Accommodation Facilities: all the buses and trains were crowded lation of solid waste, increased level Since the entire tourist places are so (79%), especially during weekends and of air and water pollution etc. At the

2 0 ARCHITECTURE - Time Space & People March 2011 same time heavy rain fall at these sites present world communities. Accord- and assistance with enactment (Raighad and Matheran) have swept ing to PATA (Pacific Asia Travel Associa- • Establishing and reviewing legal away the soil from top towards down tion), focus on organizing environment frameworks and made an area more fragile and un- friendly tourism can contribute to the • International convention review stable at the foundation level. development of areas worthy of con- and ratification In Raighad already certain parts of servation as well as determine the level • Arbitration, mediation, negotiation the fort is falling off and destroying the of development. It is not the tourist’s and dispute resolution landscape of the fort and the pedes- volume which causes ecological and trian path. It was also noticed that local cultural damage but the absence of ad- b) Compliance, Security & Risk microenvironment is also disturbed by equate thought- out policies to handle Management the continuous visit at these places. In any form of growth. The environmental • Legal and regulatory compliance Matheran, on the name of developmen- carrying capacity is quiet ecstatic and audits, plans and programs can withstand considerable tourism • Tourism security reviews, plans growth provided it is carefully planned and advice and managed. Thus environmental im- • Risk management reviews, plans pact assessment becomes an integral and advice step in the consideration of any site for • Stakeholder, social and a tourism project. environmental concerns • Lobbying and advocacy on law E) Consideration of carrying and regulation changes capacity: • Due diligence In every case it is necessary to do a de- • Troubleshooting tail study about the carrying capacity of any tourist location .The carrying c) governance, institutions & capacity is determining the maximum Administrative Systems number of people that a location could • Strengthening governance and accomodate without beginning to institutions in the public and deteriorate. It further determines the private sectors optimal number of people required • Funding arrangements for National so as to sustain it both economically Tourism Administrations as well as environmentally. Maharash- • Registration, licensing and tra should adopt a model develop- accreditation ment that suits the need of its people • Self regulation including trade and is compatible with its socio-cultur- associations and codes of conduct al milieu. • Safety, security and risk Fort Jadhavgadh management 2. Specialty is a tourism policy; • Quality assurance systems tal projects, certain negative impact is law and development and a including hotel classification occurring which is destruction of natu- number of unique services on • Assuring sustainability and ral resources, loss of traditional knowl- tourism could include : environmental protection edge of indigenous tribal people etc. a) Laws & Legal Frameworks These people are becoming increasing • Reviewing existing laws d) Policy, Planning & Development vulnerable to exploitation on the name • Benchmarking against • Formulating and implementing of development activities, where tra- international best practice and tourism policies and plans ditional wisdom and knowledge and model laws • Planning and development natural resources have been expropri- • Drafting new legislation and facilitation and standards ated for business interests. These are regulations • Implementing tourism serious concerns for the survival of the • Consultation with stakeholders master plans

March 2011 ARCHITECTURE - Time Space & People 2 1 • Privatization, joint ventures, such as accommodation facili- into staying tourists. tenders, procurement and ties, eateries, toilets, information 6. Public-Private-Partnership: investment incentives centre’s, etc. could be developed at Specific forts could be identified • Transactions (sale, purchase, lease all destinations. For this, the incen- where public-private partnership etc) including project appraisal tive policy proposed will encour- is possible. Conservation plans and due diligence age private partnership in tourism could be prepared for the identi- • Land titling and project structuring related activities and infrastructure fied these forts. including TDZs and TDCs development. 7. Cultural Tourism: Distinctive as- 2. Accessibility to the forts and way- pects of Maharashtra’s rich culture e) Trade & Regional Cooperation side amenities: Approach roads and tradition could be identified • Regional trade agreements could be identified to various and promoted as an integral part • Harmonizing regional laws forts in Maharashtra. The roads of Maharashtra’s tourism. • Bilateral and multilateral should be assessed for suitability Identifying and promoting the agreements (carrying capacity, quality, etc.) State’s folk arts and organize folk • International passenger and could be considered for dance and music programmers’ at transportation further development. Wayside the forts could be arranged. amenities should also be planned 8. Crafts: Since Maharashtra has a f) Education, Training & Capacity while developing roads. number of exclusive handicrafts; Building 3. Development Control Regulation the government could undertake • Education at destinations: ‘Development the availability of the handicraft • Training and capacity building Control Regulations’ could be products at the various forts, • Research and publication prepared to work as guidelines which could promote the handi- for development at and around crafts industry in the state: CONCLUSION the forts. 9. Information Kiosks: Government Tourism, if it is to be a vehicle of cul- 4. Strengthening of Bed and Break- of Maharashtra could create kiosks ture, prosperity and peace, must fast scheme: The Bed and Break- at important airports, railway sta- conserve without damaging, protect fast scheme creates facilities for tions, bus stations and important without plundering, and create with- travelers at remote region forts forts to provide tourism informa- out destroying. Carrying capacity in (where hotel accommodation is tion on an interactive basis with eco-tourism provides local benefits- not available) and could provide links to the tourism portal and environmentally, culturally and eco- income to the local people. With on-line booking systems. nomically. Ecotourism is “responsible the increasing interest in the rural 10. Creating Awareness: Create aware- travel to natural areas that conserves way of life and the advent of rural ness among people about the the environment and sustains the tourism, the Bed and Breakfast importance of tourism, how to well-being of local people.” Our goal Scheme would offers excellent identify and plan tour options and is to enable people to enjoy and learn potential for the mutual ben- on how to be an enlightened tour- about the natural, historical & cultural efit of the tourists and the local ist. This could also include creat- characteristics of the various forts in population. This Scheme could ing awareness about safety and Maharashtra while preserving the in- be strengthened to form a part of environmental awareness. tegrity of the forts and stimulating the rural micro-financing projects. economic development opportunities 5. Recreational facilities at forts: Prof. Parag Govardhan Narkhede in local communities. Entertainment facilities such as children’s sports, horse rides, is Lecturer, BKPS College of The following implemented will im- light and sound shows (based on Architecture, Pune and Ms. Imelda prove the face of tourism in the com- feasibility) could be arranged at Morris is an Architect based in Pune. ing years: selected forts. Providing recreation Photographs: Courtesy the 1. Development of infrastructure at and entertainment at the various Authors. the forts: Various tourism facilities forts could convert day tourists

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