Jaipur, September 29, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Rajasthan High Court has expressed serious concern over threats to the UNESCO World Heritage status of Jaipur’s Walled City, warning that the historic site could lose its designation if corrective measures are not taken in time.
Taking suo motu cognisance of the issue, Justice Pramil Kumar Mathur directed that the matter be placed before the Chief Justice for registration as a Public Interest Litigation (PIL).
The Court noted that four World Heritage Sites around the world had already lost their UNESCO status and cautioned that Jaipur could become the fifth if timely action was not taken to protect its heritage.
According to the order, the UNESCO World Heritage Committee had raised concerns as early as 2023 over the demolition of historic buildings within Jaipur’s Walled City, also known as Char Diwari, and inadequate implementation of heritage conservation regulations.
The High Court observed that effective measures had not been taken to address these concerns and said corrective action would be necessary before December 2026 to prevent any threat to Jaipur’s World Heritage status.
The Court identified illegal construction, unauthorised alterations and widespread encroachments in the core and buffer zones of the Walled City as major threats to its heritage character.
It noted that several buildings had allegedly been altered or demolished in violation of the Heritage Conservation and Protection Regulations, 2020, which were framed to safeguard historic structures.
The Court also questioned the functioning of officials in the Jaipur Municipal Corporation and Jaipur Development Authority (JDA), observing that the agencies had failed to effectively implement applicable laws and policies. It expressed concern over the lack of coordination among government departments, describing the situation as indicative of systemic apathy and negligence.
The order further noted that traditional havelis and other heritage structures were gradually disappearing and being replaced by modern buildings that did not blend with the historic character of the Walled City.
Among other concerns, the Court highlighted tangled networks of overhead wires visible at several locations, which it said were affecting the heritage character of the area.
The High Court has directed the Jaipur Development Authority and the Municipal Corporation to conduct a survey of illegal constructions and encroachments in the Walled City and submit a report within two weeks.
It has also sought affidavits addressing 11 specific points within four weeks from senior government officials, including the Chief Secretary, Principal Secretary of the Urban Development and Housing Department, Director of the Local Self-Government Department, Director of the Archaeology Department, Additional Chief Secretary of the Tourism Department and Secretary of the Devasthan Department.
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