Promotion of Tourism at the Cost of Cultural Heritage is a No

Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) member, Rani Sarma said that promotion of tourism should not be done at the cost of our cultural heritage, as heritage is a fragile resource which once destroyed cannot be recovered.

At a meeting conducted by INTACH in connection with the presentation of awards to various people who have worked for the conservation of the heritage, she delivered a key note and expressed her concern over commoditisation of the heritage to promote tourism by the government.

She also said that Swami Vivekananda had stated over 100 years ago that Indian youth have forgotten their heritage. She explained about the Buddhist sites in the city which lack conservation by the concerned departments.

However, Rani Sarma admitted that tourism is a money spinner, foreign currency bringer and job provider but added by saying, not at the expense of our heritage. She said the involvement and training of local people is necessary to promote tourism without damaging the cultural heritage.