Complexities of Frameworks, Challenges, and Concerns: Case of Historic City of Ahmedabad

The historic city of Ahmedabad, a cultural legacy built between people of diverse cultures, traditions, belief systems, societal organization, and political aspects; has remained central to a profusion of commercial, civic, and religious activities than mere residential quarters. Growth and development increasing family sizes and changing demands created immense pressure historically, to open its boundaries and promote urban sprawl. Multiple stakeholders, overlapping priorities, and overarching regulations complicate the management. The World Heritage inscription provided an opportunity to fine-tune and find a synchronised Management system with heritage in focus. The chapter discusses the complexities of various frameworks including challenges, to share success, gaps, possibilities, and the potential to include them in the future for sustainability from the ICH viewpoint as well as with an implied connection to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) especially SDG 11. The scope of the chapter is limited to the historic core of Ahmedabad, inscribed as a world heritage site. Subjects that are of larger concern like local or regional integrated systems in transportation; businesses and administration shall be outside the scope though their integration in the overall management of the site will be discussed.