Various cities in the country have approached Ahmedabad to help them gain international recognition for their heritage. Indore, the cleanest city in India, is also receiving guidance for its own heritage walk. These events have happened after UNESCO declared the 5.4 sq km walled city of Ahmedabad as a World Heritage City last year.
"What makes Ahmedabad truly distinctive is that the country's only heritage city is also emerging as a smart city. It has been an effort of the past 20 years which started with the Heritage Walk. Being the biggest stakeholders ourselves, we have all the relevant heritage stakeholders on board too. We set up a great example of strong documentation, by-laws, and legal structures," said Mukesh Kumar, Municipal Commissioner.
The endeavour for the tag began two decades ago when the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) initiated the Heritage Walk, which was continued in the subsequent years. Later, the Heritage Cell was set-up by the civic body, which now guides other cities to hold their own heritage walks.
Debashish Nayak, Director of Centre for Heritage Management, Ahmedabad University, has contributed in the heritage walks of more than 50 cities in the past 20 years. "After Ahmedabad was inscribed as a World Heritage City, other cities like Indore, Nasik, Mathura, Vrundavan, and Nagpur have approached in the past year to organise their own walks," Nayak said.
Just like Ahmedabad, the city of Raipur also wishes to get the two titles of a Smart City and a World Heritage City. "While Raipur is an emerging smart city, it wishes to learn from Ahmedabad on how to go forward for the heritage conservation and putting documents for international recognition," said PKV Nair, Deputy General Manager of Heritage Department, AMC.
WAY AHEAD...
Like Bhadra Plaza, upgrades for Manek Chowk and Jami Masjid Precincts are under consideration. AMC is looking at the issue of traffic congestion, cleanliness, and pollution in this area as well. They will be regularising hawkers on that stretch and provide them with parking space.
