JAIPUR — The High Court of India warned that the continued construction of illegal buildings and encroachments around Jaipur’s historic walled city could jeopardise its UNESCO World Heritage status. The court’s order, issued on 1 October 2026, follows a growing number of unauthorized structures that have been identified by heritage conservation authorities in the city’s core precincts.
UNESCO Status at Risk
The walled city of Jaipur, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2019, is recognised for its unique urban layout, architectural heritage and cultural significance. The High Court noted that the integrity of the site is being compromised by a series of illegal constructions that violate the conservation guidelines set by UNESCO and the Indian Ministry of Culture. The court’s directive calls for the immediate removal of all encroachments that threaten the visual and structural integrity of the heritage precinct.
High Court’s Directive
In its order, the court directed the Jaipur Municipal Corporation and the State Urban Development Department to take “all necessary steps” to demolish the illegal structures identified by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and the Ministry of Culture. The court also instructed the authorities to submit a detailed report within 30 days outlining the measures taken to eradicate the encroachments and to ensure compliance with the World Heritage Convention.
Heritage Authorities’ Findings
According to the ASI, a survey conducted in the last quarter of 2026 identified more than 200 unauthorized buildings and commercial hoardings within the walled city’s perimeter. The ASI’s report highlighted that these structures not only obstruct the historic skyline but also pose a risk to the structural stability of adjacent heritage buildings. The Ministry of Culture’s conservation team has flagged several of these encroachments as “critical” for the preservation of the site’s character.
Legal and Administrative Response
The court’s order follows a series of legal actions taken by the Jaipur Municipal Corporation, which has been working with the ASI to identify and remove illegal structures. The corporation has already demolished 35 encroachments in the past six months, as reported by the city’s official website. The High Court’s directive is expected to accelerate these efforts and bring the removal process into compliance with UNESCO’s preservation standards.
National Context: Anti‑Encroachment Initiatives
Encroachment on heritage sites is a nationwide issue. In Pune, the Pune Municipal Corporation’s Public Works Department (PMRDA) recently announced the formation of an anti‑encroachment squad. The squad has already removed 1,072 illegal structures and hoardings in the city’s commercial districts, according to a report by The Times of India. While the Pune initiative focuses on commercial encroachments, the Jaipur directive specifically targets heritage conservation.
Implications for Jaipur
UNESCO’s World Heritage Convention requires member states to safeguard the cultural and natural heritage of listed sites. Failure to comply can lead to a site being placed on the List of World Heritage in Danger or, in extreme cases, delisting. The High Court’s warning underscores the seriousness of the situation and the need for immediate remedial action to preserve Jaipur’s cultural legacy.
Next Steps
The Jaipur Municipal Corporation is expected to submit a compliance report to the High Court by 30 October 2026. The report will detail the number of encroachments removed, the timeline for demolition, and the measures taken to prevent future illegal construction. The court has also instructed the State Urban Development Department to enforce stricter building regulations within the heritage zone.
Conclusion
The High Court’s directive marks a decisive step in protecting Jaipur’s walled city from the threat of unchecked development. The outcome of the court’s order will determine whether the city can maintain its UNESCO World Heritage status and continue to attract scholars, tourists and heritage enthusiasts worldwide.
