Delegates and members of World Heritage Committee today visited monuments and enjoyed shopping, Indian cuisine and lot more on the day off on Sunday after deliberating on World Heritage Matters for 7 days from 21^st July, 2024. On 26^th and 27^th July, 2024, the World Heritage Committee declared 25 new World Heritage Properties to the World Heritage List after much deliberations.

India is hosting the World Heritage Committee Meeting for the first time from 21^st to 31^st July, 2024, at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. The World Heritage Committee meets once a year and is responsible for managing all matters pertaining to World Heritage and deciding on sites to be inscribed on the World Heritage list. More than 2000 international and national delegates from more than 150 countries are participating in the meeting.

It was declared after the requests by some of the Committee Members that the delegate would like to have a day off and would like to immerse in the heritage of India.

To make the stay of these delegates memorable, Archaeological Survey of India facilitated visits to the Monuments and World Heritage Sites, situated in and around Delhi, for the delegates of the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee. The visit included a designated day off for delegates to explore the surrounding area and experience local culture. The delegates were provided with an opportunity to explore the local region and engage with its cultural heritage.

During their visit, the delegates were impressed by the site's cultural and natural significance and acknowledged the conservation efforts made by Archaeological Survey of India. They commended the site's management team for their dedication to preserving the site's integrity and authenticity.

Their visit underscores India's commitment to preserving its rich cultural heritage and natural wonders for future generations.

Several delegates chose to visit the historic city of Agra where they indulged themselves in the appreciation of timeless wonder of the Taj Mahal, apart from the two other World Heritage Sites in Agra; The Agra Fort and the Fatehpur Sikri group of monuments.

UNESCO Delegates visiting the Taj Mahal at Agra

Delegates visited Agra Fort and appreciated its architecture and beauty

A lot more delegates chose to enjoy Delhi monuments, which include the three World Heritage Properties from the city, the Humayun’s Tomb, The Qutb group of monuments and the Red Fort. Apart from these, some delegates also visited the Safdarjung Tomb and the Old Delhi trails.

Mr. Lazare Eloundou Assomo, Director of the World Heritage Centre visited and appreciated the work carried out by ASI at Qutb Minar and it’s monuments

H.E. Mr. Vishal V. Sharma, Chairman of the 46^th World Heritage Committee visited the Red Fort and museums within it

Delegates enjoying their day off at the World Heritage Site of Humayun’s Tomb

Delegates visiting the Safdarjung’ Tomb at New Delhi

Some delegates also visited the Chand Baori at Abhaneri

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BeenaYadav