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Writer's pictureRishika Srivastava

Heritage Management Plan - Case of Jodhpur

Jodhpur is among the oldest cities of the Rajasthan region and the erstwhile seat of the Marwar Kingdom. It is a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists. The Jodhpur Municipal Corporation initiated the preparation of a Heritage Management Plan for the city under the Government of Rajasthan (GoR) has initiated the Rajasthan State Heritage program. Urban Management Centre (UMC) worked with the HMP for the Jodhpur Municipal Corporation for the HMP under this program.

The images of expansive forts and ornately carved jharokas (projecting balconies) are synonymous with the region. Modern development has taken place in an unplanned manner and coupled with neglect and lack of adequate knowledge about conservation is resulting in a gradual loss of built heritage. The Heritage Management Plan (HMP) to help cities identify heritage assets and develop projects and programs for their conservation.


Jodhpur is among the oldest cities of the region and the erstwhile seat of the Marwar Kingdom. It is a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists. Urban Management Centre (UMC) prepared the HMP for the Jodhpur Municipal Corporation under this program.

The HMP included

  • Listing and grading of 400+ heritage structures including jhalaras (traditional stepwells), havelis, places of worship and historic gardens.

  • Consultations with the Development Commissioner – Handicrafts (DCH), to promote livelihoods and several intangible cultural heritage such as traditional dances, crafts, tie-and dye techniques, cuisine, and folklore.

  • Identification of capital projects for heritage conservation and overall civic improvements in historic areas.

  • Enhancement of capacities and methodologies of the authorities – Jodhpur Nagar Nigam, DCH, Jodhpur Development Authority, independent organizations and other stakeholders.

  • Community engagement including extensive consultations with vendors, shop keepers, traders associations, tourist guide association, hotels and restaurants association among others seeking collaborative efforts to conserve heritage, promote tourism, and improve quality of life in the historic areas.

  • Formulated development of a city heritage cell to spearhead heritage management efforts.

  • Developed demonstration/ pilot projects such as conservation of the Ghantaghar/ Sardarmarket - Girdikot complex at the heart of the walled city. The pilot project incorporated local community’s and visitors needs including allocated vending spaces, public toilets, parking, and street furniture.

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