Now, Centre and Delhi Government battle over city’s heritage status

By NewsGram Staff Writer

Amid the ongoing Turf War between the centre and the state government, another issue has come raging between the two.

This time, the issue is regarding the national capital's chance to become the first 'world heritage city' in India, which was killed by the centre last Thursday. The UNESCO World Heritage website reads that Delhi's Imperial Capital City nomination was withdrawn by the state party (permanent delegation of India to UNESCO) on May 21st.

Though the Central Government has withdrawn Delhi's nomination for 'World Heritage City,' however, the national capital is still in the race of getting the 'heritage' tag next year.

On Thursday, the centre had pulled out the name of Delhi from the lists of 'World Heritage City' just a month before UNESCO was to review nominations from across the world.

"I have written to the central government asking them to reconsider their decision. It has taken a lot of time and effort to reach this far, and the heritage tag would be a matter of great pride. The nominated zones are a very small area. This will not impact development," said Delhi Tourism minister Jitender Tomar.

The centre also expressed its concern over the fact that the 'heritage tag' could have made lots of restrictions on the city's development project.

"The heritage tag will slower the development program in the national capital as it imposes lots of restrictions in bulldozing the ancient buildings. Delhi is a heritage city and has lots of edifices more than 500 years old," said a minister of Central Government.

According to the sources, the Delhi Government has already spent Rs. 2 crore for the nomination.

"We have made our initial procedure. Now it is up to the center to change its decision," said an AAP Party member.

The city's nomination will be granted in June 2016 on the basis of a review report given by UNESCO at the end of December this year.