Jaisalmer: Last year, five hill forts of Rajasthan were included in the UNESCO world heritage site and Sonar Fort was one of them. Expressing concern over the pathetic situation of the fort, UNESCO has issued advisory to complete the conservation works and implement the site management plant of the fort.

Moreover, the World Monuments Watch has stopped all the projects of conservation of the fort and has asked ASI to return their Rs 2 crore. Besides, the conservation work by ASI department is stalled due to lack of funds.

The work of laying sewerage line at the fort is of substandard quality and daily new constructions are taking place in the fort, threatening the heritage look.

District administration, municipal council, ASI department -all agencies are silent over the status quo.

In last nine months, no meeting of the apex committee of the fort has taken place. During monsoon, there is a possibility of heavy damage to the fort causing threat to life and property.

UNESCO has expressed its annoyance in a letter to the ASI. The first phase of the site management plan, as per the parameters of UNESCO, which was submitted to ASI by the agency in 2014, has still not been implemented.The work of laying sewerage line is also incomplete.

The conservation report for hill forts of Rajasthan approved by the World Heritage Committee last week in Istanbul mentions that, "Noting with concern that, despite reassurances provided by the state party , the management plan for Jaisalmer Fort is still in a drafting phase, requests the state party to expedite the completion of the management plan for Jaisalmer Fort and to submit the final draft, along with sub-plans for visitor management, risk preparedness and livelihood generation for the local population, to the World Heritage Centre, for review by the advisory bodies, prior to its adoption," In December, UNESCO will once again review the fort.

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