“Heritage Conservation of Pune City: Policies, Challenges, and Planning Strategies”

This report provides a comprehensive evaluation of the urban heritage conservation ecosystem in Pune, India. Known as the cultural capital of Maharashtra, Pune possesses a rich architectural and cultural legacy [1]. This history spans across the Maratha, Peshwa, and British Colonial eras, leaving behind a unique built fabric composed of fortified palaces, traditional residential Wadas, historic market precincts (Alis), and colonial institutional landmarks. However, rapid urbanization, modern infrastructure expansion, complex property laws, and intense real estate pressures have placed these non-renewable assets under active threat of deterioration, neglect, and unauthorized demolition. This study analyzes the legal, administrative, and spatial frameworks governing heritage preservation in Pune, identifies systemic bottlenecks, and proposes actionable planning strategies to achieve sustainable urban heritage management.

[1] ICOMOS. (1964). International Charter for the Conservation and Restoration of Monuments and Sites (The Venice Charter). [2] ICOMOS. (1987). Charter for the Conservation of Historic Towns and Urban Areas (The Washington Charter). [3] Australia ICOMOS. (2013). The Burra Charter: The Australia ICOMOS Charter for Places of Cultural Significance. [4] Ministry of Culture, Government of India. (2010). The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (Amendment and Validation) Act. [5] Ministry of Law and Justice, Government of India. (1992). The Constitution (Seventy-Fourth Amendment) Act. [6] Urban Development Department, Government of Maharashtra. (2020). Unified Development Control and Promotion Regulations (UDCPR).