Chandigarh Capitol complex project suspended: In a significant development, the UNESCO World Heritage Committee has made a request to the UT administration. They’ve asked for the implementation of three key projects, including the comprehensive development of the Punjab and Haryana High Courts within the Capitol Complex. As a result, the committee has raised serious concerns about the impact of these projects on the overall universal value of the UNESCO-designated site.
However, UNESCO designated the Chandigarh Capitol Complex as a World Heritage Site in 2016. So, the scrutinized projects encompass comprehensive plans for the Punjab and Haryana High Court, along with multi-level parking facilities and AC chiller plants.
UNESCO Suspends Projects Impacting Capitol Complex
The world heritage committee, which has members from all over the world, has expressed its skepticism in an outline decision fetched from the ministry of culture and eventually forwarded to the Chandigarh administration. However, the committee claims that the administration’s projects have had a negative impact on OUV sites. As a result, they have called for these projects to be temporarily suspended.
Senior officials of the UT administration were actively involved in these developments. In fact, after communicating with the Ministry of Culture, the UNESCO World Heritage Committee revealed that these are not feasible. They further said that these projects are non-compliant with heritage impact assessment criteria and international guidelines set by the International Council on Monuments and Sites. Furthermore, they instructed the Indian government to revise the project plans and submit new proposals for review.
Guidelines Not Followed
UNESCO’s action raises concerns about the projects’ alignment with Chandigarh’s architectural and cultural heritage. Hence, despite the committee recommendations, the fate of all of these projects remains uncertain.
Conclusion
The cancellation of the three projects represents a significant setback for the Indian government. It is the first time that UNESCO has suspended any projects in India. However, the suspension serves as a reminder of the need to protect World Heritage Sites. After all, it emphasizes responsible development that preserves a site’s Outstanding Universal Value (OUV). Finally, the suspension provides an opportunity for the Indian government to revise its plans.
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