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607 Years Old Smart City Attains World Heritage Tag
The Ahmedabad Heritage walk popularly known as the journey of “Mandir to Masjid” describes the cultural diversity of 607 years old 5.43 sq km walled city of Ahmedabad. The old walled city is known for it’s wooden residences which is a resident for approximate population of 4 lakhs. The World Heritage Committee(WHC) of UNESCO made the announcement on Ahmedabad receiving India’s first heritage city after attending a meeting in Poland’s Krakwo on 8thJuly,2017. Ahmedabad was preferred as India’s first World Heritage city leaving behind Delhi and Mumbai. All these countries spoke unanimously in favour of Ahmedabad to appreciate the brotherhood Hindu, Muslim and Jain communities share. Along with 287 World Heritage Cities across the globe including Paris, Cairo and Edinburgh; Ahmedabad has also recieved the UNESCO tag which will add immense brand value to the walled city and boost tourism in Ahmedabad. Ahmedabad is the third city receiving World Heritage Tag on the Indian subcontinent following Bhaktpur in Nepal and Galle in Sri Lanka. The beginning of Mandir to Masjid journey.

Journey of Ahmedabad Attaining World Heritage City Tag
Ahmedabad’s journey to attain this great landmark began back in 1984. Ford foundation commissioned the first study for conserving the heritage structures. The second milestone was attained after the launch of Ahmedabad Heritage Walk, which began from Swaminarayan Temple, Kalupur and ended at the Jumma Masjid. Heritage Cell was also set up by Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation. Later on March 31, 2011 Ahmedabad made to the Unesco’s tentative list of World Heritage City, and finally on 8thJuly, 2017 Ahmedabad was finally declared as India’s first World Heritage city.

Ruchira Kamboj who is India’s permanent representative of UNESCO tweeted, “Thrilled to announce! Ahmedabad has just been declared India’s first #WorldHeritage city by @UNESCO