Latest news with #UnescoWorldHeritageCity
Time of India
3 hours ago
- General
- Time of India
AMC doesn't want wires, ACs to mar heritage home facades
Ahmedabad: When admiring the city's heritage buildings, what meets the eye is architectural beauty, and above all, an inviting old-world charm. However, the civic body has a list of things that shouldn't meet the eye, and this includes AC units, wiring connections or dish antennas. This comes as part of Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation's (AMC) renewed push to preserve the aesthetic facade of heritage homes in the walled city, to keep true to the essence of Ahmedabad being inscribed a Unesco World Heritage City in 2017. These rules are based on the guidelines prepared by its heritage conservation committee (HCC) in 2023 to standardize renovations and restorations. While residents of such homes who have already installed such elements on the facde are not being asked to immediately remove them, those coming seeking approvals for repairs and renovations are being told, for example, relocate their AC units to the terrace to maintain the home's functionality while preserving its facade, an AMC official said. You Can Also Check: Ahmedabad AQI | Weather in Ahmedabad | Bank Holidays in Ahmedabad | Public Holidays in Ahmedabad | Gold Rates Today in Ahmedabad | Silver Rates Today in Ahmedabad "These directives, currently applied as recommendations, are slated to become mandatory rules in the near future," said a senior AMC official. The initial phase of enforcement prohibits the installation of air conditioners, dish antennas, and internet cables on the front of heritage homes within the city's pols going forward. "For homes that also function as tourist homestays, this condition is a prerequisite for renovation plan approval," the official added. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like If A Cat Bites Their Owner Heres What It Really Means Gloriousa Undo Another civic official requesting anonymity confirmed that to expedite approvals of construction plans over the last six months, "we are ensuring a uniform external appearance for every heritage home". AMC has also determined a standardized size, font, and design for signboards, which are now enforced for heritage homes operating as shops. Similarly, the civic body is working to standardize 'otlas' — raised platforms in front of homes. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
Time of India
05-08-2025
- Time of India
Walled City features in book series on Seoul's heritage
Ahmedabad: Lend an ear to the walls of Ahmedabad in the heart of the city, and chances are you might hear centuries of history. The walls and gates spanning 11km, which gave Ahmedabad India's first Unesco World Heritage City tag, saw the Gujarat Sultanate, Mughals, Marathas and British before the emergence of independent India and the city's development as a major economic hub of the country. "Few may know, but the enclosures also served as water reservoirs with wells and a well-maintained water system comprising a river and channels. Panchkuva Darwaza, as the name suggests, got its name due to the presence of five wells, some of which may even have served travellers," said Ashish Trambadia, a city-based conservation architect. Trambadia, along with his wife Poonam, also a conservation architect, represented the city and India in the Seoul City Wall Studies Series of books focusing on urbanisation and history coexisting in an Asian context. You Can Also Check: Ahmedabad AQI | Weather in Ahmedabad | Bank Holidays in Ahmedabad | Public Holidays in Ahmedabad Their chapter, 'Ahmedabad Fortification', gave a peek into the development and conservation of the walls over centuries. Poonam Trambadia said that, like Ahmedabad, the city of Seoul is also seen as a medieval walled city before its modern avatar. "Thus, the compendium is seen as a collection of best practices that also includes perspectives from Japan and China among others. The city was included due to the long history of the fortification and its World Heritage Site status," she said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Access all TV channels anywhere, anytime Techno Mag Learn More Undo The duo said that built between 1411 and 1486, the city's fortification has a long, documented history with a founding fable including Sultan Ahmad Shah. There are three distinct phases in which the fortification came up and multiple phases of restoration — the last one continuing to date. "We also focused on the original 14 gates of the city, especially the recently restored ones that gave a peek into the city's architectural style and its foundation," said Ashish Trambadia. "During the restoration of Khanpur Darwaza by Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC), the roof slab was opened. At that time, we noticed a unique element. Unlike other city gates, it did not have an arch but a beam supported by stone brackets with trabeated spanning commonly seen in eras predating the Sultanate era. It can be seen as a confluence of architectural styles," he said. "Likewise, at Raikhad Darwaza, we went up to the foundation level for the first time during the restoration process and found the unique technique of layers of bricks between stones, perhaps as a measure to soak moisture and provide a cushion against earthquakes." Poonam Trambadia said that from being the reason for Ahmedabad's municipality to exist (to repair the dilapidated walls) in 1831 to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's historic decision to decongest the walled city areas in 1921, the walls have played an integral role in the city's history. "Today, they need conservation and maintenance amid several challenges of urbanisation. But the need of the hour is to ensure that we pass them down to the next generation," she said.
The Sun
20-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Melaka hosts international workshop on cultural heritage value creation
MELAKA: The Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry (MOTAC) will hold an International Workshop on the Melaka Declaration on Cultural Heritage Value Creation from July 23 to 24 in Melaka, a Unesco World Heritage City. The event, co-organised with the ASEAN Secretariat, Think City, and Telekom Malaysia Berhad, aims to unlock Southeast Asia's cultural heritage potential for sustainable development. Over 100 participants, including cultural experts, academics, and ASEAN representatives, will explore heritage conservation strategies and economic value creation. Panel discussions and breakout sessions will focus on enhancing ASEAN's cultural heritage value chain for economic growth and regional cooperation. The ministry stated, 'This international gathering will bring together over 100 distinguished participants including cultural experts, academics, creative economy leaders, representatives from ASEAN Member States, SOMCA and stakeholders to explore transformative approaches in heritage conservation and value creation.' The workshop also seeks to boost public awareness and community involvement in heritage preservation while integrating culture into sustainable development policies. The Melaka Declaration, a key outcome, will contribute to an ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) document set for adoption at the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur in October 2025. 'It aims to strengthen cultural cooperation, expand inclusive economic opportunities and promote a deeper appreciation of ASEAN's shared heritage,' the ministry added. - Bernama
Sinar Daily
04-06-2025
- Business
- Sinar Daily
Melaka's new jewel: Dusit Princess brings Thai-inspired luxury to Unesco city
Combining modern sophistication with Thai-inspired gracious hospitality, this upscale hotel sets a new benchmark in Melaka's bustling hospitality scene. Combining modern sophistication with Thai-inspired gracious hospitality, this upscale hotel sets a new benchmark in Melaka's bustling hospitality scene. THE wait is over! Dusit Princess Melaka, Dusit International's first venture in Malaysia, has officially opened its doors, bringing a fresh wave of excitement to locals and travelers alike. Combining modern sophistication with Thai-inspired gracious hospitality, this upscale hotel sets a new benchmark in Melaka's bustling hospitality scene. Adding to the city's appeal as a top-tier destination for leisure and business, Dusit Princess Melaka also unveiled one of Melaka's largest meeting and event spaces. Formerly the Ramada Plaza Melaka, Dusit Princess launch was officiated by Melaka Governor, Tun Dr Mohd Ali Mohd Rustam. Situated in the heart of the Unesco World Heritage City, the 296-room property offers guests panoramic views of Melaka and the Straits of Melaka, alongside state-of-the-art facilities like the deepest swimming pool in the state, a 24-hour gym and unique dining experiences at Zest Restaurant, Long Feng Chinese Restaurant and the vibrant Famosa Lounge. This launch aligns perfectly with the city's ambitious tourism plans for UN Tourism 2025 and Visit Malaysia 2026. In 2024 alone, Melaka saw an impressive 74 per cent year-on-year increase in tourist arrivals, welcoming over 15 million visitors. These numbers reveals the city's growing appeal as a dynamic travel destination in Southeast Asia. Lada Phumas, Ambassador of Thailand to Malaysia (fourt from left), Melaka Governor Tun Dr Ali Rustam and Dusit International COO Gilles Cretallaz during the grand launch of Dusit Princess With a versatile 774-square-meter event space equipped with advanced LED technology, Dusit Princess Melaka is poised to host high-profile conferences, weddings and private events. Additionally, the hotel offers curated local experiences, immersing guests in Melaka's rich cultural, culinary and historical treasures. Dusit Princess Chief Operating Officer Gilles Cretallaz said the grand opening marks a significant milestone for Dusit, as they officially introduce the distinctive Thai-inspired gracious hospitality to Malaysia. "With its rich heritage, strategic location and forward-looking development plans, Melaka provides the ideal setting for our debut in the country. "Dusit Princess Melaka exemplifies our commitment to delivering warm, authentic and meaningful experiences and we are delighted to welcome guests from around the world, including delegates attending UN Tourism 2025, to experience the best of both Thai and Malaysian hospitality," he said. To celebrate its opening, Dusit Princess Melaka is offering a limited-time 'Melaka Retreat' package, featuring daily breakfast at Zest Restaurant, a MYR 50 daily dining credit, complimentary room upgrades (subject to availability), and a 15 per cent discount for Dusit Gold members. The offer is valid for bookings until January 4, 2026, with stays available immediately. For more details and reservations, visit [ or follow @dusitprincessmelaka on Facebook and Instagram.
