India’s Heritage at Risk Historian Urges Action

India’s ancient forts, temples, and monuments tell stories that span millennia—but these iconic landmarks are now racing against time. With 42 UNESCO World Heritage Sites (ranking fifth globally!), the country’s cultural gems face unprecedented threats from rapid urbanization, pollution, and climate change.

Historian Swapna Liddle, in an exclusive interview, emphasized the urgent need to protect overlooked sites. \"We’ve made progress, but many treasures remain vulnerable,\" she told CGTN. From overcrowded tourist hotspots to crumbling structures in forgotten towns, preservation efforts must balance modern development with history’s whisper.

UNESCO-listed spots like the Taj Mahal and Jaipur’s palaces draw global attention, but lesser-known wonders—like ancient stepwells or medieval ruins—struggle for resources. Liddle argues that community-driven initiatives and tech solutions, like 3D mapping, could be game-changers.

As India’s population surges, the clash between heritage and urbanization isn’t just a local issue—it’s a global call to safeguard humanity’s shared legacy. Will these sites survive another century? The clock is ticking.

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Historian reflects on importance of protecting India's heritage

cgtn.com