UNESCO declares Ahmedabad as world heritage city; PM Modi hails move

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on Saturday declared Ahmedabad as the world heritage city, making it India’s first city to be included in the list.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the UNESCO’s move and expressed his happiness at the major development. “A matter of immense joy for India!” PM Modi tweeted.

A matter of immense joy for India! https://t.co/qtCOxm8Kga

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 9, 2017

Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani greeted the move saying he was thrilled to learn that Ahmedabad has been recognised as UNESCO World heritage city.

UNESCO has declared Ahmedabad as world heritage city and Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani and BJP president Amit Shah have hailed the move. UNESCO made this announcement via tweet. Thrilled to learn that Ahmedabad has been recognised as UNESCO World heritage city, Rupani said. Ahmedabad was in the race for the prestigious title along with Delhi and Mumbai.

IN PICS | UNESCO declares Ahmedabad as world heritage city: Check out pics of top attractions

BJP president Amit Shah in a tweet said, “Delighted to know that UNESCO has declared Ahmedabad as World Heritage City. Proud moment for every Indian.”

Ahmedabad was in the race for the prestigious title along with Delhi and Mumbai. The walled city of Ahmedabad believed to be founded by Ahmed Shah some six hundred years earlier has 26 ASI-protected structures, hundreds of ‘pols’ that capture the essence of community living and numerous sites associated with Mahatma Gandhi who lived here from 1915 to 1930.

In 1984, the first study for conserving heritage structures was carried out in the city. A heritage cell was also set up by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC). The city had featured in UNESCO’s tentative list of world heritage cities on March 31, 2011.

With PTI inputs.

ALSO READ | Great Barrier Reef in danger: UNESCO raises serious concerns over frequent coral bleaching