The devastation caused to the iconic Notre Dame cathedral is a great loss to the world. At the same time, it is happy news that France is determined to rebuild the cathedral within five years. As far as India is concerned, the Notre Dame fire should be a wake-up call on heritage structures in India. The Indian government must chalk out a plan, if there is not one already, under the supervision of the Archaeological Department to check all heritage structures and their safety and have the full details of their architecture, if necessary in 3D.
As the response to the Notre Dame example shows, heritage structures that are properly maintained can greatly aid in improving foreign currency reserves and in generating employment.
P.S.V. Prasad Babu,
Bhadrachalam, Telangana