The state level heritage policy has got a plethora of suggestions and feedbacks from experts, historians and architects. Some of the suggestions included involving local residents in preserving heritage property and spreading awareness about heritage properties. The experts also called for a detailed and realistic survey of the number of heritage properties in Ahmedabad. They said timely survey's should also be conducted to check the condition of such properties. They called for special tax exemptions for owners of heritage property so that they are encouraged to conserve them. The meeting was headed by president of the public consultation committee of heritage policy, PK Ghosh.The meeting in Ahmedabad was the last in a series of public consultation meetings to be held in Gujarat. Earlier the meetings were also held in Surat, Bharuch and Rajkot.  Secretary of Khadia Itihas Samiti, Asutosh Bhatt said that it is a matter of concern that the government of France can offer loans for restoration of heritage property in Ahmedabad but the state government has no such provision.  "Shouldn't our government be providing loans for restoration of heritage property? Visitors from Paris  come here to check the efficiency of tankas to keep water clean but the state does not have any provision to encourage use of such tankas and promote rainwater harvesting," said Bhatt. "There has to be a reliable survey of heritage properties and property tax bill should mention a building as 'heritage building' so that there is clarity with the AMC," said Khadia corporator Bhushan Bhatt. Ghosh who found some of the ideas interesting said he would present them before the state government.

COMMERCIAL BREAK
SCROLL TO CONTINUE READING