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Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana
There is something captivating about walking through a city where history breathes through every stone and street. The old market squares, ancient temples and colonial-era buildings—all quietly narrate stories of a bygone era. Yet, preserving this legacy amid modern chaos is not easy. That is why India came up with a focused plan to protect its heritage cities while giving them a fresh lease of life. Enter the HRIDAY scheme. Let us find out more about it.
What Is the HRIDAY Scheme?
The HRIDAY scheme stands for National Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana. It was launched by the Indian government in 2015 to revitalise heritage cities. The scheme focuses on conserving cultural assets, improving infrastructure, and promoting tourism. But the heart of the HRIDAY scheme lies in enhancing the overall quality of life for people living in these historic places.
By protecting monuments, streets, temples, and other landmarks, HRIDAY scheme India aims to keep cultural stories alive for future generations. The scheme also works to strengthen basic services such as water supply, sanitation, and roads. While modernising urban infrastructure, the HRIDAY scheme ensures that heritage remains untouched.
The scheme brings together efforts from different bodies, creating a bridge between history and modern development. The HRIDAY scheme is operated by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
While India already had heritage conservation efforts in place long before the HRIDAY scheme, here is the key difference. Before HRIDAY, heritage conservation was mostly handled through isolated projects, like the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) protecting specific monuments or states running small city-specific plans. These efforts were important but often disconnected from broader urban development. Cities were modernising, but old quarters were left behind — narrow lanes, poor sanitation, decaying ghats, and crumbling facades.
The HRIDAY scheme came in to solve this. It linked heritage preservation directly with urban infrastructure upgrades. Instead of just saving one temple or fort, the scheme looks at entire precincts—streets, lakes, markets, parks—and improves everything together. It brought in multiple ministries and agencies to work under one roof. Think of it like this: earlier, we were patching heritage spots. With HRIDAY, we are refreshing entire heritage neighbourhoods while keeping them alive and relevant for locals and tourists alike.
What Is the Objective of Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana?
The main goal of the HRIDAY scheme is simple. It protects and revitalises India’s heritage-rich cities. The scheme focuses on conserving historic areas while improving urban infrastructure. This means better streets, public spaces, sanitation, and transport—without harming cultural landmarks.
Another key objective is to boost local economies. By developing heritage zones, the scheme promotes tourism and creates jobs. The idea is to make cities more liveable, attractive, and economically vibrant.
Additionally, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, which oversees the HRIDAY scheme ministry, designed the project to strengthen cultural pride. It fosters a sense of ownership among local people. Communities become more involved in preserving their surroundings.
The full form of HRIDAY scheme sums up its intent well. It is all about protecting India’s heart and soul—its heritage.
List of Cities under HRIDAY Scheme
The HRIDAY scheme covers some of India’s most iconic cities. These cities hold immense cultural, spiritual, and historical significance. Each location was selected based on its heritage value and potential to benefit from revitalisation. Here is the list of cities under HRIDAY scheme.
- Amritsar
- Varanasi
- Ajmer
- Mathura
- Gaya
- Kanchipuram
- Vellankani
- Dwarka
- Badami
- Puri
- Warangal
- Amaravati
Interestingly, Andhra Pradesh or AP is part of the HRIDAY scheme through Amaravati, reflecting the state’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage. The inclusion of these cities highlights the scheme’s commitment to preserving sacred and historic urban spaces.
Implementation of HRIDAY Scheme
The HRIDAY scheme follows a two-tier structure. It works both at the national and local levels. This helps align urban development with heritage conservation smoothly.
At the National level
At the top, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs leads the HRIDAY scheme. This central body oversees all project guidelines, funding, and monitoring. It coordinates with various heritage and urban development agencies. The ministry makes sure that the scheme’s objectives are respected across all cities.
At City/Urban Local Body level
At the city level, Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) and municipal authorities are in charge. These teams handle actual execution on the ground. They identify heritage assets, plan upgrades, and manage restoration projects. Cities collaborate with citizens, architects, and historians to blend heritage preservation with modern infrastructure. The scheme’s flexible model lets each city tailor its projects based on unique needs.
Impacts of HRIDAY Scheme
The HRIDAY scheme has reshaped many heritage cities across India.
By blending conservation with urban renewal, the scheme has enhanced the charm and livability of old towns. Streets have become cleaner, public spaces more welcoming, and visitor facilities have improved.
One visible impact is the boost to tourism. With restored temples, ghats, and historic buildings, more travellers now visit these cities. This also benefits local businesses and craftsmen.
Another key result is stronger civic pride. Communities feel more connected to their roots. The HRIDAY scheme has made people more aware of their city’s historical importance. Overall, the scheme has brought new energy to old spaces.
Outcomes of HRIDAY Scheme
The HRIDAY scheme has transformed urban heritage management in India. Cities now follow integrated planning that combines both conservation and modernisation. This approach has created blueprints for future projects in other heritage-rich areas.
One standout outcome is improved institutional coordination. Government bodies, historians, and local communities now work together more efficiently. Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) have also gained new skills in heritage-sensitive development.
The scheme has contributed to long-term sustainability. Heritage precincts are no longer neglected but maintained with care. By creating these successful models, the HRIDAY scheme has strengthened India’s commitment to preserving cultural identity while embracing urban growth.
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