NEW DELHI: The AAP government will support the inclusion of the Lotus Temple here in Unesco's World Heritage Sites list, Delhi Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra said on Tuesday.
As of now the Red Fort, Qutub Minar and Humayun's Tomb in Delhi are on the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) list.
Mishra said the Lotus Temple -- also known as the Bahai House of Worship -- was the national capital's pride and the government will make all-out efforts to push for to coveted status since any such entry needs local government's endorsement.
"We will do every possible thing, including Lotus Temple's promotion and branding, and extend administrative and financial supports in getting this unique monument the World Heritage Site status. We are hopeful of success," Mishra told IANS.
The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage is preparing the proposal for the temple's entry which will be submitted to Unesco by September 2016.
"The temple is an excellent example of modern architecture. Its unique structure and the quality of concrete used in its construction is its USP (unique selling proposition)," Mishra said adding it will help boost tourism and investment.
The Lotus Temple was constructed by the Bahai community in December 1986 near the Nehru Place in south Delhi. The Bahai is a monotheist religion whose purpose is to unite all races and peoples in one universal cause and one common faith. IANS