MHA gives the go-ahead for submitting dossier

The UT Administration had last month submitted a copy of the dossier containing details about the Capitol Complex to the Ministry of Cultural Affairs as well as Fondation Le Corbusier. The Ministry of Cultural Affairs had already given its approval for the dossier. The dossier would now be submitted to the World Heritage Centre.

UT Adviser K K Sharma says that clearance has been received from the MHA. “This implies that the Ministry of Home Affairs is backing the administration in its endeavour to get heritage status for the Capitol Complex. With the clearance in place, Chandigarh can now take up its case. The ambassadors of the countries who are part of the dossier have been holding regular meetings for co-ordination,” he adds.

It was in 2008 that Chandigarh had prepared a dossier for submission to UNESCO. However, the clearance was not given by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs. The proposal was revived after Sharma held a meeting with the representatives of the other countries earlier this year. Now with all ministries backing Chandigarh’s case, the same can be taken up with UNESCO.

The other countries had already prepared a dossier of Corbusier’s work in their countries. However, one of the most renowned works of Corbusier is the Capitol Complex which is in the city. Grappling with problems of violations, the buildings of the Capitol Complex are now in the process of being tested in order to preserve these. A detailed plan for conservation of the buildings is also a part of the dossier.

UT Chief Archietct Sumit Kaur says that several meetings have been held at different levels and all requisite formalities have been completed. For the 2015 nomination, Chandigarh’s claim for seeking heritage status for Capitol Complex would now be included.