The Rajasthan High Court has warned that Jaipur’s Walled City could lose its UNESCO World Heritage Site status by December 2026 if effective measures against degradation are not implemented.

The court initiated suo motu proceedings after reports highlighted threats from unauthorized constructions and encroachments in the historic area. It issued notices to ten state and local authorities and directed a survey of the violations.

The warning puts the spotlight on the Pink City’s heritage management. The Walled City’s World Heritage status depends on preserving its historic character, and unchecked construction has drawn repeated concern from conservationists.

The state government now faces a December deadline to show concrete enforcement. Officials will need to demonstrate curbs on illegal construction and encroachments to protect the tag.

Heritage experts say losing the UNESCO designation would be a major blow to Jaipur’s tourism and global image. Faith-based and heritage travel already drive a large share of Rajasthan’s visitor arrivals, with pilgrimage trips accounting for 45.7% of all tourist visits in the state during the first half of 2026.