UNESCO has sent a delegation team to Ahmedabad, where they will be making a five-day visit to check on the measures being taken to preserve the heritage in the city and the effect of large-scale infrastructure projects in the city. The visit is deemed important because Ahmedabad is the first UNESCO World Heritage City in India, which the city acquired in 2017.
In the course of their visit, the delegation will pay close attention to four major projects, but the redevelopment of the Kalupur Railway Station will be the area of particular interest. The project will also focus on remodelling the station to a multi-level transport centre incorporating the rail, metro and other urban transport systems. Nevertheless, its closeness to the historic walled city has also brought about the question of its effects on the heritage nature of the region.
Besides the railway station, some of the proposals that the team is supposed to consider are the Danapith multi-level parking facility, the redevelopment of Geeta Mandir bus terminal, and the current heritage conservation efforts in the old city. These projects are under consideration so that the urban development can meet the norms of heritage preservation according to UNESCO.
State government officials and local civic bodies will provide extensive reports on conservation policies, urban development plans, and policies implemented to sustain the city in terms of its outstanding universal value, which is one of the major requirements of being a world heritage site. The delegation will also take a trip to the walled city, which is characterized by its centuries-old buildings, traditional pol houses and cultural landmarks.
This visit is in the middle of the increasing fears of rapid urbanization and its effects on heritage areas. UNESCO has already highlighted the necessity of developing a tighter fabric of protection of the historic fabric of Ahmedabad, and allowing the city to develop. The assessment in place is likely to be significant in identifying whether the current and proposed projects are adhering to international heritage regulations.
Experts assume that the observations of the delegation might have an effect on future planning decisions, such as potential changes in the existing projects. The cultural and tourism significance of the city in terms of retaining the World Heritage status is very significant, and therefore, this review is of great importance.
The experience of the visit will most probably influence the way Ahmedabad is going to strike a balance between modernization and preservation so that the development does not take its toll at the expense of the rich historical heritage.
