Examining the Existing Management System for the UNESCO World Heritage Sites from National to Property Level in India

Mohammad Arif Kamal^1, , Tejwant Singh Brar² and Naveen Suresh Chomal³

¹Architecture Section, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India

²School of Art and Architecture, Sushant University, Gurugram, India

³Amity School of Architecture and Planning, Amity University, Jaipur, India

Cite this paper:
Mohammad Arif Kamal, Tejwant Singh Brar and Naveen Suresh Chomal. Examining the Existing Management System for the UNESCO World Heritage Sites from National to Property Level in India. American Journal of Civil Engineering and Architecture. 2026; 14(5):210-214. doi: 10.12691/ajcea-14-5-4

Abstract

India’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites represent significant cultural and natural assets requiring effective systems of protection, conservation, management, and sustainable use. This research paper examines the existing management system for UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India, with particular emphasis on the legal and institutional framework and the availability and allocation of resources from the national to the property level. The study reviews the roles of key agencies, including the Ministry of Culture, Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), State Governments, local authorities, site-management authorities, and other stakeholders involved in World Heritage conservation. It analyses relevant legislation, policies, institutional responsibilities, financial and technical resources, and management mechanisms operating at different administrative levels. The paper also identifies challenges related to inter-institutional coordination, resource availability, community participation, monitoring, and implementation. This paper highlights the need for an integrated, adequately resourced, and participatory management approach to strengthen the long-term conservation and sustainable management of India’s World Heritage Sites.

Keywords:
UNESCO world heritage architectural conservation management government intervention India

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