News Excerpt:

Many of the heritage monuments and natural formations of Vizagapatam are either in a state of neglect or are being destroyed.

Vizagapatam Sites which are under threat:

• Buddhist heritage sites at Thotlakonda, Bavikonda, and Parvulakonda:
  • These sites were buried under mounds of mud atop the hill for several centuries.

• • The chance discovery atop hills during an aerial survey for finding a suitable location for establishment of INS Kalinga by the Indian Navy a few decades ago had given an insight to archaeologists and historians to the fact that Buddhism had flourished in Visakhapatnam region, some 2,000 years ago.
• The Old Dutch Building:

• • It is situated on the Beach Road, and it was converted into the ‘Visakha Museum’, which houses a number of artifacts belonging to different periods in history. 
  • Had it not been converted into a museum, the building would have paved the way for construction of multi-storey buildings or apartment complexes.
• The Erra Matti Dibbalu (Red Sand Dunes): 

• • This site is located near Bheemunipatnam, which has been declared as one of the 34 national geo heritage sites by the Geological Survey of India (GSI), in 2014, are under the threat of encroachment. 

• • These unique geological formations are a result of the accretion of sand and mud, and provide valuable information about the conditions in the region several thousands of years ago. 

• They had formed during the last glacial maxima (LGM), which is estimated to have occurred globally around 18,500 years ago. 

• • Archaeological evidence of Stone Age tools from Microlithic, Mesolithic and Paleolithic eras have also been found in the region of the red sand dunes.
  • Intense gullying (erosion) of these relatively unconsolidated and predominantly sandy deposits has exposed a variety of the underlying sedimentary formations and geomorphological features.
  • Multi-disciplinary research is required to undertake further studies on various aspects of the rare geological formations. 

• Chintz factories in Vizag:

• Chintz is a woodblock printed, painted, stained or glazed calico textile.

• • During the 1700s, chintz was prized all over the world, and helped revolutionize fashion and design in that time. 
• The old town Hall:

• • It was neglected for long, was renovated by the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) and restored to its original shape, after a hue and cry by heritage lovers and representatives of Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH).

• The Victoria statue:

• • It is situated near the old Head Post Office junction and currently is in a state of neglect with growth of trees and shrubs all around the statue, preventing motorists and passers by from having a clear view of the monument.

Why is conserving cultural heritages necessary?

• Vital for cultural tourism, economic growth, and preserving identity. 
• Attract tourists, boosting local economies and employment. 
• Connecting people to their heritage and fostering a sense of identity. 
• Enhances property values and reduces demolition waste, aligning with sustainability. 
• Promotes global collaboration, bringing diverse communities together for a common cause, emphasizing the importance of preserving cultural legacies for the present and future.

Conclusion: 

Indian cultural heritage is vibrant and can astonish travelers from other countries. India is one of the ancient civilizations in the world.It is the responsibility of every person to contribute to the conservation of heritage.