NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said “demolition (todna phodna)” of existing structures while transforming urban areas is not the way to meet the changing needs of modern times, presenting the example of the redevelopment of Kashi Vishwanath temple as an example of merging tradition with rejuvenation.
Addressing an all India mayors’ conference in Varanasi virtually, Modi said the work in Kashi shows how redevelopment can meet current requirements while conserving history.
“We believe in evolution and we don’t need revolution today. We need rejuvenation of urban areas. Demolition of all old structures and destroying everything that’s old is not our way of doing things. We need to modernise while conserving the old and what we have for years,” he said.
The prime minister’s comments are also significant in the context of the Central Vista redevelopment in the capital where critics have accused the government of not being mindful of heritage. Modi said most Indian towns and cities are rooted in tradition and their rejuvenation should be achieved while conserving those traditions. As chief minister of Gujarat, he had overseen what is now regarded as the successful redevelopment of the Sabarmati riverfront.
The PM reiterated his earlier statement that the development of Varanasi (Kashi) could be the road map for the rest of the country. “He remarked that these cities can teach us how to preserve heritage and local skills. The Prime Minister insisted that destroying existing structures is not the way but emphasis should be on rejuvenation and preservation. This should be done in accordance with the requirements of modern times,” a statement issued by the PMO said.
Modi urged mayors to take actions during their tenures that are remembered by the people they serve. He asked the mayors to have healthy competition between the wards in their municipalities on cleanliness parameters. He also urged the city chief to find out the “birthdays” of their cities and celebrate them in a big way.