Jaipur Heritage Cell Initiates Impact Assessments for Four Historic Baoris Following UNESCO Criticism
The heritage cell of the Jaipur Municipal Corporation (JMC) has commenced the preparation of heritage impact assessments (HIAs) for the renovation and conservation of four historic baoris in Jaipur. This decisive action comes in response to strong criticism from UNESCO regarding ongoing projects in the buffer zone of the Jaipur World Heritage Site.
UNESCO's Concerns and JMC's Proactive Response
In its State of Conservation Report for 2025, UNESCO expressed serious concern about projects proceeding without completed heritage impact assessments. The report specifically mentioned the conservation of baoris and the Jaipur Metro Rail as ongoing projects where HIAs were reportedly still in progress. UNESCO formally requested the state government to clarify how these developments were advancing without the necessary assessments.
A senior JMC official explained the situation, stating, "UNESCO has been critical about HIA compliance. Although preparing HIAs is not mandatory for projects in buffer zones according to UNESCO guidelines, we are proceeding with these assessments as a precautionary measure. We will complete the HIAs for all four baoris within one month."
The Four Historic Baoris Under Assessment
The four baoris scheduled for assessment and subsequent renovation are:
- Parshuram Baori near Jal Mahal
- Bangali Baba Baori near Jal Mahal
- Gaitor ki Baori
- Kale Hanumanji Baori
All four structures are located outside the Walled City of Jaipur within the buffer zone of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. These historic stepwells represent important architectural and cultural heritage that requires careful preservation.
Clarification on Project Status and Misinterpretation
Officials clarified that UNESCO may have misinterpreted the status reports submitted by the state government. "The state government had sent a report stating these projects are in progress. This meant that the process of preparing HIAs had started, not that construction work was underway. UNESCO seems to have misinterpreted this communication," explained an official familiar with the matter.
Renovation Plans and Implementation Strategy
Once the heritage impact assessments are completed, the JMC plans to float tenders to bring in private parties for the actual renovation and conservation work. Officials indicated that the state government is considering agencies such as Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) to implement the project under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
Another official detailed the renovation approach, stating, "Renovation means restoring the baoris to their original condition. We are not going to change the design, shape, or size of any structure. Our goal is authentic restoration followed by long-term preservation of these important heritage properties."
The comprehensive assessment process represents a significant step toward balancing heritage conservation with urban development in one of India's most historically significant cities. By proactively addressing UNESCO's concerns through formal impact assessments, Jaipur authorities demonstrate their commitment to preserving the city's architectural legacy while maintaining transparency with international heritage organizations.
