Jaipur's Heritage at Risk: Second IPD Tower Plan Sparks Controversy
The recent state budget announcement in Rajasthan, proposing the construction of a second IPD Tower at J K Lon Hospital, has ignited a fierce controversy among urban planners, architects, historians, and local residents. Critics argue that the new structure would severely compromise the aesthetic value of the historic Albert Hall and the surrounding areas, raising alarms about heritage preservation.
Experts Warn of UNESCO Violations and Visual Integrity Threats
Town planners, architects, and historians have expressed deep concern over the potential impact on the buffer zone of the UNESCO World Heritage site along JLN Marg. They are urging the government to prioritize the preservation of the region's historical integrity, cautioning against modern construction projects that mirror the contentious IPD Tower at SMS Hospital.
A senior town planner from the Urban Development and Housing (UDH) department stated that the previous Ashok Gehlot government made a significant error by constructing the IPD Tower inside SMS Hospital directly on JLN Marg. "If the BJP government proceeds with its decision to build another tower on this iconic stretch, it would constitute a gross violation of heritage preservation norms," the planner emphasized. "One must understand that Albert Hall is a historic structure recognized internationally. They should not compromise the aesthetic and historic values of such a landmark and the three-year-old world heritage city."
Legal and Cultural Assets at Stake: The Case for Viewing Corridors
In an interview with TOI, Chandra Sekhar Parashar, former additional chief town planner of Rajasthan, highlighted that from a heritage perspective, visibility is a legal and cultural asset, often referred to as Visual Integrity. He pointed out that many historic cities, including London, Paris, and Jaipur itself, maintain strict "viewing corridors"—protected lines of sight that prevent new, tall buildings from obstructing views of ancient monuments.
"We have established laws for such corridors within the Walled City due to its UNESCO designation," Parashar explained. "Unfortunately, since Albert Hall lies outside the periphery of the Walled City, there is no such enforcement. The government must recognize that a heritage site encompasses not just the building itself but also the surrounding space. The stretch of JLN Marg up to Moti Doongri is considered a buffer zone of the World Heritage site." Parashar, who served as a member of the UNESCO-appointed Heritage Cell for the Walled City, stressed the need for broader protection measures.
Residents Propose Alternatives and Highlight Practical Concerns
Local residents have advised the government to consider expanding the facilities of J K Lon Hospital within the compound of RUHS in Pratap Nagar as a viable alternative. This suggestion aims to address healthcare needs without endangering Jaipur's cultural heritage.
Anant Kasliwal, a lawyer and concerned citizen, raised practical issues, stating, "Imagine a huge influx of patients visiting the two IPD Towers on either side of JLN Marg. The impact on traffic, overall congestion, and pollution along such an iconic stretch would be devastating." This perspective underscores the broader implications of the proposed construction, extending beyond heritage to include urban livability and environmental health.
The controversy highlights a critical tension between development and preservation in Jaipur, a city celebrated for its rich history and architectural marvels. As debates continue, stakeholders are calling for a balanced approach that respects both modern healthcare demands and the irreplaceable value of cultural heritage.
