The Kalka Shimla Railway (KSR), popularly known as the “toy train”, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, that spans over 96km through the scenic terrain of the Shivalik foothills. It was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 2008 owing to its Outstanding Universal Value which testifies to a significant stage in human history and an interchange of human values through technological advancement and cultural heritage.

The railway line was laid to disenclave the mountain population and facilitate better connectivity to the Summer Capital (Shimla) of the British Empire. Consequently, this also influenced the regional socio-economic development while fostering community livelihoods.

This “living heritage” site connects 21 stations, from Kalka (Altitude: 656 m.) to Shimla (Altitude: 2075 m.) through steep gradients, 102 tunnels, 864 bridges, and over 900 sharp curves. The multi-arched bridges resembling Roman aqueducts showcase a great feat of engineering, while the quaint station buildings are an amalgamation of colonial and vernacular architectural styles.

Northern Railways has appointed CRCI to prepare a Comprehensive Conservation Management Plan (CCMP) for the KSR, which will be submitted to UNESCO. The multi-disciplinary team for the project comprises conservation architects, urban planners, structural engineers, community engagement consultants, and risk management consultants. The CCMP aims to preserve the heritage attributes of the Kalka Shimla Railway while ensuring its continued functionality and cultural significance.

The Climate Action and Built Heritage in Indian Cities Toolkit is a resource developed to integrate climate-conscious strategies into urban planning for the preservation and management of built and cultural heritage. Designed as a step-by-step guide, the toolkit enables cities to proactively safeguard their heritage assets from the impacts of climate change.

Recognising the increasing vulnerability of historic structures, the toolkit supports professionals, authorities, and local communities in developing climate-resilient approaches that protect both architectural integrity and cultural significance. It reflects a growing understanding that cultural heritage, while at risk, also holds powerful potential to drive inclusive, transformative, and just climate action. Heritage can inspire community-led adaptation, strengthen resilience, and elevate local ambition to address climate challenges.

In response to this urgent context, the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA), under the City Investment to Innovate, Integrate and Sustain (CITIIS) initiative, commissioned a consortium to develop this project. The consortium includes the Cultural Resource Conservation Initiative (CRCI), the Centre for Heritage Conservation at CEPT Research and Development Foundation (CHC, CRDF), and the Urban Design Collective (UDC).

The outcomes are presented in two parts -  a Compendium of Best Practices in Climate Action for Cultural Heritage and a Practical Toolkit for Implementation

Locally referred to as the Pujari Bunga, the Tara Singh Pujari Bunga was likely constructed during the time of Jathedar Tara Singh (1843–1857 CE). It is a pavilion-style structure built of fine-fired bricks and lime mortar. The roof, composed of closely spaced timber joists, is covered with timber planks, bricks, and lime concrete—a construction technique that was popular in Punjab and Maharashtra. 

The building holds significance both for its tangible values, such as architectural character, construction techniques, and material use and for its intangible heritage, stemming from its cultural connection to Punjab and its association with the Pujaris (also known as Jathedars) of Sri Hazur Sahib Takhat. Several saints and mahatmas have stayed here while on pilgrimage to Sri Hazur Sahib. Notably, Sant Attar Singh ji of Mastuana—a reformer who advanced education among the Sikh community and beyond in Punjab and other parts of India during the early 20th century—also lived here for over a year. 

Given its layered significance, the building qualifies as a Grade I heritage structure, valued both as part of Sikh heritage (for its intangible associations) and architectural heritage (for its tangible qualities). The building was in a deteriorated state, with numerous recent interventions that have compromised its heritage value. Conservation efforts involved restoring structural stability, preserving historical fabric, removing inappropriate modern additions, and reconstructing key architectural elements evident in the original design.

Project Report

Pipal Haveli, located within a historic gated precinct in rural Punjab, is a shining example of how tradition and modernity can coexist harmoniously. Rooted in time-honoured sustainability principles, this contemporary community-centred, multi-use educational space has been thoughtfully designed to honour its surroundings' ecological and cultural heritage.

The new building embraces sustainable construction practices, featuring locally sourced materials and a vernacular architectural language that resonates with the region’s identity. The project team conducted an in-depth mapping of the village’s rich traditions in building and craft production—including earthen construction, carpentry, weaving, and embroidery—which have been seamlessly integrated into the design and functionality of the haveli.

More than just an architectural achievement, Pipal Haveli serves as a dynamic hub for intergenerational knowledge sharing. Central to its mission is empowering women in the village, supported through initiatives like the BaRi Collective. This collective offers artists and creatives a space to collaborate, learn, and develop environmentally conscious craft practices, creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for women.

A testament to the transformative power of culture and nature, Pipal Haveli demonstrates how heritage-inspired, eco-conscious development can enrich communities and drive economic prosperity. Its contribution to cultural and sustainable development was recognised with the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Award for Cultural Heritage Conservation (2023) - Special Recognition for Sustainable Development.

The city of Amritsar has several historic areas the most significant one is the walled city of Amritsar. In the heart of the walled city is located Sri Harimandir Sahib popularly known as the Golden Temple. The City HRIDAY Plan identified this area as the Ramdaspur heritage zone. On the northern edge of the walled city is located the city gate called the Rambagh gate, while 500 metres beyond this is located the summer palace of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, called the Rambagh garden. A protected monument, the garden palace was identified as the ‘Rambagh recreational zone’.  The road connecting the Rambagh garden with the Rambagh gate was used by Maharaja Ranjit Singh to visit the Golden temple.  It was proposed in the HRIDAY project to enhance the experience of the street connecting these two very important monuments. Enhancement of the public realm of the road through improvement of the pedestrian areas, planting,  improved storm water management, street lighting etc was part of the project objectives.  The interventions formed the first steps towards planning for improvement in urban character of historic cities which form the background to monuments, vibrant activities and memories of cultural narratives. 

Bagan, also known as Pagan, is home to more than 2,200 structures, including pagodas and temples constructed from the 10th to the 14th centuries. An earthquake of magnitude 6.8 occurred at 17:04 local time on 24 August 2016 with the epicentre some 25 kilometres west of Chauk at an estimated depth of 84.1 kilometres. A total of 389 monuments are considered to have been damaged to varying degree within the Bagan Heritage Area.

The Department of Archaeology with assistance from various government agencies, communities and international experts responded immediately to assess and secure the monuments as well as salvage displaced objects and manage material from damaged parts. The larger goal of the project is to safeguard Bagan within the World Heritage framework, contributing to socioeconomic development of Myanmar in general and the communities living in the Bagan area in particular.

Spanning over a decade of meticulous conservation efforts by CRCI India Pvt Ltd, Gobindgarh Fort stands as a monumental symbol of Punjab’s rich and complex history. From the Conservation Management Plan completed in 2010 to its comprehensive restoration by 2020, our journey was enriching.

Steeped in history, the fort played a pivotal role during Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s reign, serving as a hub of significant reforms and political decisions. Gobindgarh's Toshakhana once housed the legendary Kohinoor diamond, while its premises also held a state prison. The fort's historical relevance extends beyond the 37 years of Ranjit Singh's rule to its eventual disconnection from the people of Amritsar in 1947. Today, extensive records housed in the British Library offer invaluable insights into its multifaceted legacy, connecting the fort to the broader narrative of Punjab’s past.

Gobindgarh Fort is not just a preserved structure; it’s a living testament to the resilience, strength, and transformation of Punjab across centuries.

The restoration of the historic Krishan Temple in a multicultural village in the Punjab validates the important role that the conservation of shared heritage as in generating community involvement. The leading role of the NGO, especially in consolidating the efforts of the local community, is particularly commendable. The restoration was approached not just as a conservation project, but as a community-strengthening endeavor, demonstrating the success possible by conservation embedded in community. By re-introducing the traditional construction techniques and materials, and transferring this technical knowledge and appreciation to the local villagers, the project conservators ensured the future sustainability of the temple, and the continued life of the building after restoration.

The project was awarded the Award of Distinction, UNESCO - Asia Pacific, 2001 (2nd Position).