In a major boost for their sustainable development and tourism potential, historic cities of Gwalior and Orchha (Tikamgarh) of Madhya Pradesh have been included by the UNESCO in an ambitious urban planning project that is based on the UN body's Historic Urban Landscape (HUL) Recommendation adopted in year 2011.
The UNESCO Cluster Office, New Delhi will be cooperating with the Department of Tourism of Madhya Pradesh for the project under the initiative of the World Heritage Cities Programme. The project will set a precedent for India, and South Asia at large, ascertaining the best practices and tools for a HUL Recommendation-based urban development for historic cities, the UNESCO newsletter on World Heritage Cities Programme for October 2020 said.
UNESCO defines HUL as an integrated approach towards managing heritage resources found within dynamic and evolving environments. HUL acknowledges the interconnections within a city, which occur between the built and natural environments, the tangible and intangible values, as well as within the cultural and social practices of a community. The approach considers these factors as key pillars towards sustainable urban heritage management and the development of the city.
Secretary of MP department of tourism and culture and managing director of the MP Tourism Board, Sheoshekhar Shukla confirmed to THE WEEK that the two historic cities have been included for HUL Recommendation based urban planning. A team of UNESCO is expected to visit Madhya Pradesh in 2021 to initiate the project.
Gwalior and Orchha are among the few cities of India selected for the ambitious project. Before this, Varanasi, Ajmer-Pushkar and Hyderabad were included among the pilot cities for HUL recommendation based planning in the year 2015.
Proposed over 48 weeks, the project in Madhya Pradesh aims to produce a set of recommendations to be taken into account in the urban development planning of Gwalior and Orchha. UNESCO New Delhi will offer the training and technical expertise for local implementation of the HUL recommendation approach.
The project will also involve multi-level engagement between experts, urban local bodies, civic authorities and stakeholders in the community to develop long-term partnerships, awareness and relationships between cultural heritage conservation, and sustainable development, the UNESCO newsletter further detailed.
The inclusion of Gwalior and Orchha in the project is an achievement for Madhya Pradesh that houses three UNESCO world heritage sites of Khajuraho, Sanchi and Bhimbetka.
The newsletter describes Orchha as the 16th century capital of the erstwhile Bundela dynasty, defined by a unique amalgamation of Rajput and Mughal architectural influences. The famous spots in the town are Raj Mahal, Jehangir Mahal, Ramraja Temple, Rai Praveen Mahal, and Laxminarayan Mandir.
Established in the 9th century, Gwalior is uniquely situated at the interface of its built cultural heritage and local communities, it says. It is famous for its fort, palaces and religious structures.
The newsletter further mentions that Orchha and Gwalior have a rising population, pacing with economic change and urban development. Gwalior is located strategically close to prominent commercial hubs and tourism circuits in India and was officially designated a ‘Smart City’ by the Indian government. The Smart Cities Mission is a national initiative to develop a sustainable urban ecosystem.
“The cultural identity of Gwalior built upon its historic centre is a key resource for the city. Unfortunately, the urban heritage of many Smart Cities is not valued or integrated in the implementation of the Smart Cities programmes. UNESCO New Delhi, therefore, wishes to further the practice of heritage-based planning for sustainable urban development within the Indian context,” the newsletter says.
In addition, the historic centres of both Gwalior and Orchha have seen growing religious and cultural tourism, which has greatly contributed to the economic advancement of the cities. This has been accompanied by the negative impacts of rapid and uncontrolled urbanisation and unsustainable tourism. The two cities invite a nuanced and transformed public policy effort and make compelling cases for the introduction of the HUL Recommendation approach, the newsletter says.
Expected changes
Meanwhile, a state government communique mentioned that as part of the project there will be chemical treatment of Mansingh Palace, Gujri Mahal, Sahasrabahu temple and other heritage structures in Gwalior. This will lead to brightening up the heritage structures and make the artwork on them clearer. The structures will also be made more approachable through roads and pathways. Guards will be posted on the structures and tourists will be welcomed according to Indian tradition. The cities will be thoroughly cleaned. The steps will lead to increase in the number of tourists and generate employment for local youth, the communique added.
