SC Asks Agra To Learn From Ahmedabad In Heritage Conservation, Officials Oblige

Agra civic body officials recently visited Ahmedabad to learn about best practices in the conservation of heritage sites upon the orders of the Supreme Court, The Times of India has reported.

On 11 September, Agra civic body officials and experts of the Delhi School of Planning came to Ahmedabad for a two-day visit to understand the process for applying to United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for ‘World Heritage City’ status.

“Following the SC direction, we were in Ahmedabad to understand the process of applying for a world heritage tag for Agra, the guidelines required and measures for the same,” Additional Municipal Commissioner of Agra Municipal Corporation Vijay Kumar told The Times of India. The Supreme Court had also ordered the state government to prepare a vision document for the Taj Trapezium Zone.

“We have been told that no modern activity can take place once a city gets a heritage tag. Ahmedabad was recently declared a heritage city. Then what is the problem in Agra getting the tag?”, the court had questioned.

Ahmedabad Municipal Commissioner Vijay Nehra said the Agra team was informed about conservation techniques and engagement of locals in preserving the heritage of the area, by providing incentives.