West Bengal CM Receives Second Appeal from Visva Bharati VC for Return of Heritage Road

Bidyut Chakraborty, the Vice Chancellor of Visva Bharati University, has sent a second letter to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. He is urging her to consider returning a heritage road on campus that was taken over by the state government in 2020. The university is concerned about protecting its heritage structures and maintaining its recently acquired UNESCO World Heritage Site status.

In a recent development, the Vice Chancellor of Visva Bharati University, Bidyut Chakraborty, has made another appeal to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The request pertains to the return of a road that is flanked by heritage buildings on the university campus. This move comes as part of an ongoing effort by the university administration to protect these historical structures.

The Road in Contention

The three-kilometer stretch connects Post Office More with Sriniketan and was taken over by the Public Works Department (PWD) of the state government from the university in 2020. The PWD had purportedly assumed control over this road to enhance connectivity in the area. However, since then, Visva Bharati University has been advocating for its return in order to safeguard the heritage edifices along it.

Heritage at Risk

This issue has gained prominence after Santiniketan was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site on September 17th. Following this recognition, concerns have been raised about preserving these structures which are integral parts of cultural history and legacy.

A copy of Chakraborty's latest letter to Chief Minister Banerjee warns about potential repercussions if adequate measures are not undertaken promptly. It reads: "The UNESCO tag given to Santiniketan by International Committee for Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) is likely to be withdrawn...if steps are not taken to protect heritage properties lined along the road falling under Visva Bharati property…". He further emphasizes that such an event would reflect poorly not only on West Bengal but also those who worked tirelessly towards achieving this global recognition.

Second Appeal

This marks Chakraborty’s second correspondence with Banerjee regarding this matter. His first letter was sent on September 25th, just a week after Santiniketan was acknowledged by UNESCO. The Vice Chancellor's persistent efforts underscore the importance of preserving these heritage buildings and maintaining the prestige associated with the UNESCO tag.

In conclusion, this situation presents a crucial juncture for Visva Bharati University and West Bengal at large. The state government’s decision in response to Chakraborty's request will not only impact the university but also bear implications for cultural preservation in India. It remains to be seen how Chief Minister Banerjee responds to this plea and what steps are taken towards safeguarding these historical structures that form an integral part of our nation’s rich cultural tapestry.