The Bikaner Municipal Corporation has unveiled the Bikaner Heritage Walk, an initiative designed to promote the conservation of the city’s unique heritage. The walk offers an opportunity for locals and tourists alike to explore Bikaner’s vibrant history, while encouraging wider awareness on the preservation of its cultural assets. Through this endeavour, the Municipal Corporation aims to foster greater community involvement in safeguarding the city’s iconic landmarks, traditional architecture, and craftsmanship.
Alongside the Heritage Walk, the Bikaner District Administration and Municipal Corporation have established the Heritage Conservation Cell and the Bikaner District Heritage Committee. These bodies will focus on identifying and restoring Bikaner’s historic buildings, including its renowned havelis, temples, and monuments.
The Heritage Conservation Cell will engage in public education, restoration efforts, and collaborations with heritage experts to integrate conservation into urban planning.
Mayank Manish, Commissioner of the Bikaner Municipal Corporation, remarked, “The goal of the Bikaner Heritage Cell is to raise awareness and promote the conservation and restoration of heritage buildings and sites in Bikaner.” He further emphasised the significance of preserving the city’s cultural, historical, and architectural heritage for future generations.
Bikaner’s District Collector, Namrata Vrishni, highlighted the importance of community involvement in this effort. “The District Heritage Committee will not only oversee heritage-related matters but also engage relevant stakeholders to protect Bikaner’s rich cultural legacy,” she said.
Bikaner, often called the ‘city of a thousand havelis,’ boasts extraordinary architecture, though many of its historic buildings face deterioration due to neglect and modern development. The introduction of the Heritage Walk is a step towards addressing this challenge, with the walk including visits to several restored havelis.
Local preservationists, like Gopal Singh of Lokayan, are hopeful that such efforts will protect Bikaner’s invaluable heritage. “We need an organization like the Heritage Cell to help us protect and preserve our heritage,” Singh said.
The Bikaner Heritage Walk will guide participants through the old city’s bustling markets, traditional craftsmanship, and historic sites, including the iconic Rampuria Haveli, celebrating the city’s opulent past.
