The Andhra Pradesh (AP) Government, aims for the UNESCO World Heritage Sites tag, for its historical locations in the State, ahead of World Heritage Day on April 18.

Not a single heritage structure from the State till date, has been listed in the India’s tentative list of heritage sites. The tentative list is an inventory of sites, proposed by the State party to UNESCO. The World Heritage Committee considers for nomination to the World Heritage list, and particularly, those sites that have been included in the tentative lists of state parties. So far, 44 properties have been included in India’s tentative list.

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) Director of World Heritage, K. Lour-dusamy, have directed the Hyderabad Chapter of the ASI, to prepare an exhaustive proposal for four heritage sites, that includes, Lepakshi, Salihundam, Sankaram and Nagarjunakonda, and check if these sites can be included in the heritage list. However, The Ministry for Culture and Tourism, has turned down AP Government requests, to include Borra Caves, Gandikota Fort, Chandragiri Fort, Gunt-upalli Caves and Amaravati Maha Stupa in the Unesco Heritage List, and further said, they were not a part of the tentative list.

A renowned historian and a member of Intach, Edward Paul, said, “The proposed sites have a high potential to get the UNESCO tag; it will help put the sites on the world map. But the state government has to follow the strict guidelines first. One of the major criteria, is that no development works can be taken up around the site.

Deputy Superintendent Archaeologist of the Hyderabad Chapter of the ASI, D. Kanna Babu said, “The proposed heritage sites in undivided Andhra Pradesh did not make it to the tentative list, because of the human habitations around them, and because of the lack of facilities for visitors.”

The historical locations, Lepakshi, Salihundam, Sankaram are highly eligible to gain recognition. “ We have already given the documentation work for Lepakshi to a private architecture firm. However, the people residing around that area need to be shifted to some other place and given proper rehabilitation.” “Sankaram and Salihundam already meet the required criteria. I hope that Lepakshi from AP, will make it to the tentative list within a year,” said Kanna Babu. However, some heritage activists, believe that the recognition, does not guarantee more funds for the sites, but it ensures more of people’s entrance in the sites; and the Union Government needs to start taking measures to protect the sites.

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By Supraja