Jaipur: In response to concerns over the declining condition of Jaipur’s historic Walled City and its UNESCO World Heritage status, Rajasthan High Court has taken suo motu cognisance of a news report and turned it into a PIL. The bench of Justice Pramil Kumar Mathur has directed Jaipur Development Authority and Jaipur Municipal Corporation to take immediate action. The court has mandated a survey of all unauthorised constructions affecting the Walled City, with a report to be filed in two weeks.The court has also summoned multiple senior govt officials, including the chief secretary and the principal secretary for urban development, to provide a detailed affidavit within four weeks. The affidavit must outline the current regulatory framework for protecting heritage sites and how these measures are being enforced. The court has sought a detailed status report and a phased action plan to prevent further degradation and ensure restoration of the Walled City.The single bench emphasised the importance of assessing the impact of construction projects on heritage sites and the accountability of govt officials involved in the approval process. To invite public and expert opinions, the court has instructed that the order be published in the media. The matter will be reviewed by another bench in 10 days.
