Heritage Hero: Saving India's Crumbling Past

For thirty years, architect Abha Narain Lambah has been at the forefront of preserving India's significant historic sites. Her work spans ancient Buddhist caves, Islamic tombs, Hindu temples, and key landmarks like Mumbai's Gateway of India. Lambah began her journey driven by a deep concern for heritage sites succumbing to neglect and decay. She notes that only in the last 30 years have city-wide heritage listings and regulations emerged, primarily in major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata.

Lambah's career started with an activist spirit, influenced by American architect Joseph Allen Stein. After moving to Mumbai in 1995, she confronted the challenge of numerous historic buildings lacking government protection. She has since supported conservation plans for over 20 World Heritage sites, including the 15th-century Hampi temple and Chandigarh's Le Corbusier masterpieces. Her efforts in Mumbai have focused on rescuing structures like the David Sassoon Library and Keneseth Eliyahoo Synagogue by engaging private donors and community groups.

Restoration work, such as at Mumbai's Bandra railway station, often occurs amidst daily life, with commuters expressing their support. Lambah also saved Mumbai's Royal Opera House from potential demolition, transforming it into a vibrant cultural space. She argues passionately that colonial-era buildings are intrinsically Indian, built with Indian labor and resources. The growing number of young architects pursuing conservation studies offers hope, though Lambah acknowledges the task ahead remains immense and arduous.