The honourable Minister of State of Culture and Tourism has recently revealed in a written response to the Lok Sabha that the ‘Sacred Mountain Landscape and Heritage Routes’ (the Indian side of Kailash Mansarovar) has been included in the tentative list of World Heritage Sites of India. This proposition was put forward as a Mixed site in April 2019.
UNESCO World Heritage Site Nomination Process
According to the UNESCO Operational Guidelines 2017, a site must stay on the UNESCO tentative list for a minimum period of one year before it can be proposed for a final nomination. Post this nomination, it is submitted to the World Heritage Centre (WHC) by the specified deadline of 1st February of any calendar year. The definitive decision of including any site permanently in the World Heritage List is undertaken by the members of the World Heritage Committee.
The Significance of World Heritage Sites
A World Heritage Site is an area or object inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List because it possesses “outstanding universal value” under the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage 1972. This designation provides a structure for international cooperation in preserving and safeguarding cultural treasures and natural areas worldwide.
Types of World Heritage Sites
World Heritage Sites are classified into three categories: Cultural, Natural, and Mixed. Cultural heritage sites consist of historic buildings, archaeological sites, and monumental sculptures or paintings. Natural heritage sites are only assigned to natural areas that offer outstanding examples of the Earth’s record of life, geologic processes, ecological and biological evolutionary processes, and habitats for rare species or exceptional biodiversity. Mixed heritage sites contain elements of both natural and cultural significance.
UNESCO’s World Heritage of India
India prides itself on its rich heritage, reflected in numerous sites recognized by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites. These range from tangible heritage landmarks like monuments and national parks to intangible cultural heritage such as traditional performances, rituals, and craftsmanship.
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Tangible Heritage | The Taj Mahal, Khajuraho, Hampi, Ajanta and Ellora Caves. |
| Natural | Great Himalayan National Park, Kaziranga Wild Life Sanctuary, Keoladeo National Park, Western Ghats. |
| Mixed | Khangchendzonga National Park |
| Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity | The tradition of Vedic chanting, Ramlila, Kutiyattam, Sankirtana, Yoga, Kumbh Mela. |
Sacred Mountain Landscape and Heritage Routes
The Sacred Mountain Landscape and Heritage Routes signify the Indian part of Kailash Mansarovar. This site’s inclusion in the tentative list of World Heritage sites signifies its value and uniqueness, particularly emphasizing India’s cultural and natural diversity. There are various processes to undergo before it achieves a permanent position on the World Heritage list, and these are under consideration by the relevant world bodies. The progress of this nomination is a subject of great anticipation and excitement for India’s cultural preservation community and citizens alike.
