Indian Court Intervenes in Jaipur Heritage Conservation as UNESCO Deadline Looms
On September 26, Judge Pramil Kumar Mathur of the Rajasthan High Court took action against the authorities tasked with preserving Jaipur's walled city, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2019, following concerns raised by Rajasthan Patrika and the World Heritage Committee. The court officially recognized the issue as Public Interest Litigation on October 1, focusing on unauthorized alterations, encroachments, and insufficient oversight. Municipal bodies have been instructed to compile a list of irregular constructions within two weeks and provide updates on work permits and heritage impact assessments. A hearing is scheduled for the week of October 26. UNESCO pointed out management deficiencies and threats to the site during its July 2025 session, with an updated conservation report expected by December 1, 2026. Founded in 1727, Jaipur boasts numerous historic landmarks.
Key facts
- On September 26, Rajasthan High Court judge Pramil Kumar Mathur initiated proceedings against Jaipur heritage authorities.
- On October 1, the High Court registered the case as a Public Interest Litigation.
- Jaipur's walled city has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2019.
- The court ordered an inventory of irregular constructions within two weeks and a hearing during the week of October 26.
- UNESCO's World Heritage Committee at its 47th session in July 2025 cited destruction of historic houses and insufficient management.
- An updated conservation report is due to the World Heritage Centre by December 1, 2026.
- The Special Area Heritage Plan (SAHP) is delayed; PDCOR had not submitted its draft by early October, per the Times of India.
- Jaipur was founded in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II and is known as the 'Pink City' after 1876 repainting for the Prince of Wales' visit.
Entities
Artists
- Pramil Kumar Mathur
- Sawai Jai Singh II
- Édouard VII
Institutions
- Rajasthan High Court
- UNESCO
- World Heritage Committee
- World Heritage Centre
- Rajasthan Patrika
- Times of India
- PDCOR
- Archaeological Survey of India
- LeJournaldesArts.fr
Locations
- Jaipur
- India
- Rajasthan
- Hawa Mahal
- Amber Fort
- Jantar Mantar
- Jal Mahal
- Man Sagar