New Delhi, Feb 19 (IANS): The nomination of Delhi's imperial capital cities has been submitted to the World Heritage Centre for inclusion in the world heritage list in January, parliament was told Wednesday.

"The nomination of Delhi's imperial capital cities has been submitted to World Heritage Centre. The whole process may take more than one-and-a-half years after submission of dossier, involving evaluation report of ICOMOS (the International Council on Monuments and Sites) mission and decision of World Heritage Committee which evaluates each point and issue very critically," Culture Minister Chandresh Kumari Katoch told the Rajya Sabha in a written reply.

The minister said the World Heritage Site (WHS) status provides wider recognition and a higher profile, broad legal status, economic, technical assistance and networking opportunities apart form international collaboration in protection.

"It also improves the management, preservation and conservation levels of the universal value of the site. The site is viewed more favourably and provides promotional advantage and a 'branding effect' which encourages new investment and increases tourism. It is seen as a mechanism for building local confidence and civic pride which provides social unity," added Katoch.