India recognizes the importance of having quality living and cultural infrastructure in cities. Culture and Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation Minister Kumari Selja said that New Delhi is committed to ensuring sustainable management of its historic sites in urban areas. Speaking at the 5th Asia-Europe or ASEM Culture Ministers’ meeting in Indonesia today, she said, the unparalleled pace at which urbanization is taking place, is posing challenges to the traditional historic cities.

The Minister said, the government has set up National Monuments Authority to introduce new ways of sensitive planning, using tools like ground surveys, to ensure that mega infrastructure and other development projects do not harm the historic environment. Ms Selja said, the government and the New Delhi office of the UNESCO have developed a partnership named “Moving towards Heritage based Urban Development” to help safeguard and promote the sustainable use of the country’s unique and diverse urban heritage.

The Minister cited outstanding examples of urban renewal projects within historic cities such as the urban renewal initiative between Archeological Survey of India and Aga Khan Trust for Culture in Nizamuddin area of the national capital.