Rajasthan Government Cancels IPD Tower at J K Lon Hospital Due to UNESCO Heritage Buffer Zone
In a significant decision, the Rajasthan government has announced that it will not proceed with the construction of an Inpatient Department (IPD) tower inside the state-run J K Lon Hospital on JLN Marg in Jaipur. This move comes after the facility was identified as falling within the buffer zone of a UNESCO World Heritage area, prompting strict adherence to heritage preservation norms.
Heritage Compliance Takes Priority
Chief Town Planner of the local self-government (LSG) department, Preeti Gupta, clarified the government's stance, emphasizing that any future developments within the hospital premises will fully comply with heritage regulations. "No big tower will be constructed within the compound of J K Lon Hospital. Whatever facilities are added inside the compound will comply with the heritage norms," Gupta stated. This decision underscores the state's commitment to balancing healthcare infrastructure with cultural conservation.
Background and Regulatory Framework
The issue gained attention following a report by The Times of India on February 14, where conservation specialists highlighted that heritage norms prohibit large-scale constructions like the proposed IPD tower in buffer zones of UNESCO sites. The tower had been announced in the state budget on February 11, but scrutiny revealed its location within the protected area along JLN Marg, which is designated as part of the buffer zone for Jaipur's Walled City, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Explaining the technicalities, a senior town planner noted that any compound with JLN Marg as its front side is automatically included in this buffer zone. However, exceptions exist, such as the IPD Tower inside the SMS Hospital compound, where a different road configuration allowed previous constructions under earlier administrations. "The previous government took advantage of this and went ahead with the construction," the planner remarked, highlighting the nuanced application of heritage rules.
Upcoming Reforms for Heritage Preservation
In addition to this specific case, Chief Town Planner Gupta revealed that the state government is set to introduce several reforms in the coming months aimed at preserving the heritage of Jaipur's Walled City and other historical structures. These measures are expected to strengthen regulatory frameworks and ensure sustainable development practices that respect the city's rich cultural legacy.
The decision to halt the IPD tower reflects a broader trend of prioritizing environmental and cultural safeguards in urban planning. By adhering to UNESCO guidelines, Rajasthan aims to protect its world heritage sites while continuing to enhance public facilities in a responsible manner.
