Culture
12:23, 19-Nov-2017
India's heritage city races to save icons from pollution
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The 600-year-old walled city Ahmedabad was named India's first “World Heritage City” in July, despite warnings from some of UNESCO's own experts that it lacked a convincing plan for protecting its ancient citadels, mosques and tombs.
The centuries-old city is one of the world’s most polluted city suffering from neglect, heavy traffic and a widespread trash problem. Locals who once tended to the buildings are leaving in droves.
Laws banning construction near heritage sites have been largely ignored. Pollution is a massive problem in India – recent smog from the burning of crop stubble prompted a health emergency in the capital New Delhi.
Meanwhile, residents here simply want the authorities to do something, but officials hope the prestigious UNESCO recognition will give teeth to those safeguarding the city's architectural heritage.
Source(s): AFP