UNESCO declares Jaipur Jantar Mantar a world heritage site

NEW DELHI: The UNESCO has declared Jaipur’s Jantar Mantar as World Heritage Site. The decision to declare Jantar Mantar as World Heritage Site was taken at a high-level meeting of unesco officials in Brazil.

It is on sitting in Brasilia, Brazil; the 34th session of World Heritage Committee of UNESCO approved the inscription of famous Jantar Mantar observatory of Jaipur on the World Heritage list in 'Cultural' category.

Out of 38 entries received for inscription from across the globe six were finally included in the list. This is the only world heritage site of state of Rajasthan in 'cultural' category. 

Chief Minister of Rajasthan Ashok Gehlot has expressed his happiness on this feat and stated that the inclusion will prove to be a milestone in the economic progress of the state. The growth of Tourism sector will generate more employment opportunities for the locals. 

Tourism Minister of Rajasthan  Bina Kak says, many such sites are being identified and officials have been directed to prepare blue print to send more entries to UNESCO for more inscriptions in future. 

Kak further elaborates the strategy of the state government to provide more benefits  to travel and hospitality sector in coming days.   This is besides the other benefits which the central or state government will have to ensure as per the UNESCO norms stipulated for such inscripted sites.  

The Jantar Mantar observatory was constructed between 1728-1734 AD during the reign of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh IInd. The observatory follows the 'Sun (Surya) Siddhanta and it is claimed that even today its instruments forecast many elements of weather and astronomy, exactly. 

The observatory attracts thousands of tourists annually and its inscription would ensure that State Government pays complete attention for its overall development. This is a mandatory for any such inscripted monument as per the terms of inscription. 

The Rajasthan delegation which made the presentation before the UNESCO Heritage Committee and pleaded the case, consisted of Principal Secretary Tourism,  Usha Sharma , Principal Secretary Art & Culture, Mr. Umrao Salodia and Heritage Consultant Mrs. Shikha Jain. The presentation were unanimously appreciated by the members of the committee and their support was overwhelming for this monument.