New Delhi, Aug 05 : Sarnath is poised to emerge as a major international tourism destination after earning recognition on the UNESCO World Heritage List, Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said during his visit to the historic Buddhist site on Tuesday. He described the achievement as a landmark moment for India’s cultural heritage and a source of immense pride for the global Buddhist community.
During his visit, Shekhawat inspected the ancient monuments and the renowned stupa complex, reviewing ongoing conservation efforts aimed at preserving one of Buddhism’s most revered pilgrimage destinations. He was accompanied by Vishal V. Sharma, India’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to UNESCO, who also interacted with officials from the Uttar Pradesh government and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to discuss future conservation and management strategies.
Highlighting the significance of the recognition, the Union Minister said securing a place on the UNESCO World Heritage List is a rigorous process involving extensive technical evaluations, heritage assessments and recommendations from international experts. He noted that the successful inscription reflects India’s sustained commitment to safeguarding its historical and cultural treasures.
Shekhawat credited the Central Government’s cultural preservation initiatives since 2014 for accelerating efforts to protect heritage monuments while enhancing their global visibility. He said the country is witnessing a renewed focus on conserving its civilisational legacy, helping iconic destinations receive international appreciation and recognition.
Calling the achievement a shared responsibility, the minister urged residents of Kashi to actively contribute to maintaining the city’s cleanliness and hospitality. He appealed to citizens to keep airports, roads, riverfronts and public spaces clean so that visitors leave with a positive impression of both Sarnath and Varanasi.
He stressed that preserving heritage extends beyond restoring monuments and includes creating a welcoming environment that reflects the cultural values associated with the sacred destination.
Ambassador Vishal V. Sharma underlined the importance of protecting the site in accordance with UNESCO World Heritage Convention guidelines. He said long-term conservation, sustainable management and coordinated planning among stakeholders will be essential to safeguard the site’s historical significance while accommodating the anticipated rise in tourism.
The UNESCO recognition is expected to enhance Sarnath’s international profile, attract more domestic and overseas travellers, and strengthen its position as one of the world’s most significant centres of Buddhist heritage.