PATNA: The ruins of the ancient Nalanda University may lose its world heritage status because of the alleged inaction of the state government and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). 

Unesco, while according the world heritage status to Nalanda ruins in July this year, had asked the Government of India to undertake work on several recommendations for preservation and conservation of ancient ruins and development of its surrounding areas. 

Incidentally, the government of India is required to submit a report to Unesco's World Heritage Centre by December 1, 2017 on implementation of the recommendations, which will be examined by the World Heritage Committee in its 42nd session in 2018. 

However, not a single move has been initiated in Nalanda after declaration of the coveted world heritage status to it. 

"It is high time that ASI and the state government should start work on Unesco recommendations," said PK Mishra, former regional director, eastern zone, ASI. 

Apparently, Nalanda ruins made it to Unesco's world heritage list after a lot of persuasion by Union ministry of art and culture and ASI as it was initially not recommended for inclusion in the list. 

International Council of Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), a professional agency that offers advice to Unesco on world heritage sites, had pointed out several 'weak- points' in the proposal submitted for inclusion of Nalanda ruins in the coveted list. The ICOMOS in its report had recommended 'deferring' of awarding the coveted title to Nalanda ruins. 

Later, Ruchira Kamboj, permanent representative of India to Unesco had flown from Paris to Istanbul to convince the World Heritage Committee. Chanchal Kumar, secretary to chief minister Nitish Kumar, had also gone to Paris in June to persuade the World Heritage Centre, Unesco. 

As per the documents on Nalanda ruins uploaded on Unesco's world heritage website, the state government is required to prepare and implement an integrated master plan for Nalanda. The ASI on the other hand, is supposed to carry out historical research to establish the authenticity of the site. 

As per commitment to World Heritage Committee, vendors and shopkeepers on the approach road to the ruins were to be rehabilitated. Vehicular movement on the approach road was to be completely prohibited and parking areas were to be developed. 

Only battery- operated vehicles were to be allowed in the vicinity of the ruins. Construction work was also to be stopped in buffer zone around the site. 

ASI director general Rakesh Tiwari told TOI. "We are aware of the recommendations made by Unesco and we to implement them soon as we still have one year left with us." 

State officials too said work would be completed on time. 

"We would study the recommendations made by Unesco and complete the work within time," said principal secretary, art, cultural and youth affairs department, Chnchal Kumar.