What are the 12 cities of HRIDAY?

The 12 cities selected under the HRIDAY scheme are Ajmer, Amritsar, Amravati, Badami, Dwarka, Gaya, Kanchipuram, Mathura, Puri, Varanasi, Velankanni, and Warangal.

What are the 12 cities of HRIDAY?

The 12 cities selected under the HRIDAY scheme are Ajmer, Amritsar, Amravati, Badami, Dwarka, Gaya, Kanchipuram, Mathura, Puri, Varanasi, Velankanni, and Warangal.

When was HRIDAY Yojana launched?

HRIDAY (Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana) was launched on 21 January 2015 by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.

What is the HRIDAY mission of UPSC?

In the UPSC context, HRIDAY refers to a central government scheme aimed at integrated development of heritage cities by focusing on preserving cultural heritage while improving infrastructure and service delivery.

Which city of Punjab is part of the HRIDAY scheme?

Amritsar is the city in Punjab included in the HRIDAY scheme due to its rich spiritual and cultural heritage.

What is the aim of HRIDAY scheme?

The aim of HRIDAY is to preserve and revitalize the heritage character of Indian cities, while improving infrastructure, sanitation, and urban aesthetics to promote tourism and cultural pride.

When was HRIDAY Yojana launched?

HRIDAY (Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana) was launched on 21 January 2015 by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.

Which ministry is responsible for HRIDAY Yojana?

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs is responsible for implementing the HRIDAY scheme across selected heritage cities.

What is the HRIDAY mission of UPSC?

In the UPSC context, HRIDAY refers to a central government scheme aimed at integrated development of heritage cities by focusing on preserving cultural heritage while improving infrastructure and service delivery.

Which city of Punjab is part of the HRIDAY scheme?

Amritsar is the city in Punjab included in the HRIDAY scheme due to its rich spiritual and cultural heritage.

What is the aim of HRIDAY scheme?

The aim of HRIDAY is to preserve and revitalize the heritage character of Indian cities, while improving infrastructure, sanitation, and urban aesthetics to promote tourism and cultural pride.

Which ministry is responsible for HRIDAY Yojana?

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs is responsible for implementing the HRIDAY scheme across selected heritage cities.

What is the aim of HRIDAY scheme?

The aim of HRIDAY is to preserve and revitalize the heritage character of Indian cities, while improving infrastructure, sanitation, and urban aesthetics to promote tourism and cultural pride.

Which ministry is responsible for HRIDAY Yojana?

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs is responsible for implementing the HRIDAY scheme across selected heritage cities.

What is the aim of HRIDAY scheme?

The aim of HRIDAY is to preserve and revitalize the heritage character of Indian cities, while improving infrastructure, sanitation, and urban aesthetics to promote tourism and cultural pride.

Which ministry is responsible for HRIDAY Yojana?

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs is responsible for implementing the HRIDAY scheme across selected heritage cities.

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HRIDAY Scheme – Urban Heritage Development & Revitalisation In India

Pragya Pathak

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Updated: 21-07-2025 at 5:31 PM

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The cities of India, which mark historical significance, house extraordinary monuments depicting the country's rich cultural heritage. To facilitate the preservation of these cities, the Indian government launched the HRIDAY scheme full form, which is the National Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana. The HRIDAY scheme launch date is 21st January 2015; it aims to improve access for residents and tourists while developing urban areas and conserving the city’s heritage.

Read the article to learn more about the government scheme, ranging from its meaning and objectives to benefits, the Hriday scheme 12 cities, and implementation.

Overview

The HRIDAY Yojana (National Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana) is a flagship initiative launched by the Government of India to integrate heritage conservation with urban infrastructure development in culturally rich cities.

Feature	Details
Scheme Name	HRIDAY Scheme 2025
Hriday Scheme Full Form	National Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana
Hriday Scheme Launch Date	21st January 2015
Hriday Scheme Under Which Ministry?	Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
Focus	Heritage conservation, infrastructure, sanitation, and tourism
Approved Outlay	₹500 crore (initial), Total projects worth ₹422 crore approved
Hriday scheme 12 cities	12 Heritage Cities across India

What Is The HRIDAY Scheme 2025?

The central government started the Hriday Yojana in 2015. to enhance the uniqueness of various heritage cities in India by preserving and revitalising them. The Hriday Scheme Full Form is National Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana, which covers all the necessities along with the urban infrastructural development in the core heritage zones. It addresses both cultural and historical preservation. The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs operates this scheme, which is akin to the Smart Cities initiative in terms of having a mission-driven, measurable framework.

An important component for improving the tourist interest and overall living experience is the enhancement of safety and accessibility to heritage zones alongside the development of roads, waste management, drainage systems, water supply, sanitation, and street lighting.

What Are The HRIDAY Scheme 12 Cities List?

The following Hriday scheme 12 cities were selected under the Hriday Yojana for development:

Varanasi
Amritsar
Ajmer
Mathura
Gaya
Dwarka
Puri
Velankanni
Kanchipuram
Warangal
Badami
Amravati

Each of these cities holds religious, historical, or cultural importance and was chosen for its potential in heritage-based development.

What Are The Statement Of HRIDAY Yojana?

The scheme’s core idea is to "Preserve and revitalise the soul of the heritage city to reflect its unique character by encouraging an aesthetically appealing, accessible, informative, and secure environment."

It promotes the strategic and planned development of heritage cities, aiming to uplift urban infrastructure while retaining the city’s cultural identity.

Objectives Of HRIDAY Yojana

HRIDAY Scheme 2025 initiative was started by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs for the preservation and restoration of strategic urban areas and infrastructure towards cities rich in Indian heritage.

Scheduled execution of infrastructure works in the eligible zones of the city.
Restoration of Heritage Sites with Improved Value for Tourism.
Classify comprehensive surveying of the assets of cultural, natural, and built heritage.
Improve sanitation, safety and water supply facilities for tourists.
Establishing Heritage Structures Maintenance Public Company.
Encourage the fostering and employment in local industries related to heritage.
Using Information Communication Technologies like GIS mapping, CCTV, or even screens for modern informative tourism.
Enhancement of heritage site access and roads for universal design.

Components Of HRIDAY Scheme

The HRIDAY scheme 2025 is designed with a multi-dimensional approach to urban heritage development.

Physical infrastructure: Roads, lighting, drainage, sanitation.
Social infrastructure: Tourist amenities, public spaces.
Heritage revitalisation: Restoration of historical structures.
Urban planning: Integration of heritage concerns into city plans.
Technology integration: Digital mapping, online tourist information systems.
Livelihood support: Capacity building for local artisans and small businesses.

Implementation Of HRIDAY Scheme

The HRIDAY Scheme (National Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana) is implemented in a structured and mission-driven manner to ensure effective conservation of heritage while upgrading essential infrastructure in identified cities.

The Hriday Yojana under which ministry is implemented by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
Projects are executed in collaboration with state and local bodies, with inputs from the Ministry of Culture.
Each city receives funding based on approved Detailed Project Reports (DPRs).
Implementation is monitored using a mission-based approach, with set targets and periodic reviews.

As of January 2019, the scheme had completed four years, with ₹422 crore worth of projects approved and ₹140.14 crore worth of work completed.

What Are The Benefits Of The HRIDAY Scheme?

The HRIDAY Yojana offers a well-rounded approach to urban heritage conservation, blending cultural pride with modern urban development.

Preserves India’s rich heritage and promotes cultural pride.
Increases tourism, thereby boosting local income and jobs.
Enhances civic services like sanitation, water, and waste management.
Revives traditional industries and local crafts.
Brings in private sector investment through public-private partnerships.
Makes heritage areas safer, more accessible, and more informative.
Improves connectivity and ease of movement for locals and tourists.

Impacts of HRIDAY Scheme

The HRIDAY Scheme has had a transformative impact on India’s heritage cities by combining infrastructure upgrades with heritage conservation.

Urban Infrastructure Boost: Upgraded roads, lighting, and drainage in core heritage zones.
Tourism Footfall: Improved facilities led to increased domestic and international tourism.
Heritage Restoration: Many neglected sites were restored or adapted for modern use.
Clean Environment: Integrated sanitation and waste management brought hygiene improvements.
Digital Empowerment: GIS mapping, digital kiosks, and information systems were introduced.

Outcomes Of The HRIDAY Scheme

The HRIDAY Yojana has successfully demonstrated how heritage preservation can drive urban transformation.

Better livelihood opportunities in heritage towns.
Stronger economic linkages between culture and development.
Inclusion of local communities in city development.
Blueprint for future heritage-based urban planning.
Model for integrating heritage into India’s Smart City vision.

Conclusion

The HRIDAY yojana represents a pioneering attempt to blend cultural conservation with modern urban planning. By protecting our past, we build a more informed, sustainable, and liveable future for millions of Indians. For policymakers, tourists, residents, and entrepreneurs alike, the scheme offers an example of how heritage and development can move forward together.

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