Jaipur Establishes Special Team for UNESCO-Compliant Heritage Conservation in Walled City
In a significant move to protect Jaipur's cultural legacy, Chief Secretary V Srinivas on Wednesday issued directives for the formation of a specialized inter-departmental team. This team will be responsible for executing essential conservation and restoration works within the historic Walled City area, strictly adhering to UNESCO guidelines and protocols.
Multi-Departmental Collaboration for Heritage Preservation
The newly formed team comprises officials from three key government departments: Tourism, Local Self-Government, and Urban Development. According to an official statement released after the meeting, "The team would essentially finalize an action plan on restoration and conservation works inside Walled City. The team would ensure that these works are carried out according to norms laid down by UNESCO."
During a high-level review meeting held at the secretariat, Chief Secretary Srinivas examined the current status of the Special Area Heritage Development Plan (SAHDP). He issued clear instructions to all concerned departments to accelerate implementation efforts and complete the plan before the established deadline.
Implementation Timeline and Municipal Responsibilities
The official further elaborated on the implementation process: "Following recommendations from the local self-government department, the tourism department is working on SAHDP. Post implementation, Jaipur Municipal Corporation (JMC) would be responsible for enforcing most of the guidelines."
The development plan is progressing through several stages:
- The draft of SAHDP is expected to be completed shortly
- Following completion, the process of objections, revisions, and amendments will commence
- Final implementation will occur after incorporating necessary changes
UNESCO Warning and Immediate Action Requirements
This initiative comes in response to an official warning from UNESCO, which has indicated that Jaipur's Walled City could be categorized as a "World Heritage Site in Danger" if the state government fails to establish proper enforcement of heritage norms and strengthen the heritage cell of JMC.
During Wednesday's meeting, Chief Secretary Srinivas issued specific instructions to JMC regarding immediate maintenance requirements:
- Maintain cleanliness throughout the Walled City area
- Remove unauthorized banners and advertisements
- Eliminate temporary encroachments affecting the city's aesthetics
Concluding the meeting, Chief Secretary Srinivas emphasized the government's commitment, stating: "The state government is working with complete seriousness and commitment to fulfill its obligations and mandates related to UNESCO." This comprehensive approach demonstrates Rajasthan's dedication to preserving its cultural heritage while meeting international conservation standards.
