Saxena directs DDA to restore Mehrauli Park, Sanjay Van sites

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, March 3

Lieutenant-Governor (L-G) VK Saxena visited the heritage sites at Mehrauli Archaeological Park and Sanjay Van on Sunday, following their transfer from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to the Delhi Development Authority (DDA).

As the chairman of DDA, Saxena directed the authority to undertake comprehensive conservation and restoration work on several heritage monuments that have suffered neglect and are on the verge of destruction. This work will be carried out under the overall supervision of ASI, Raj Niwas officials said.

Newfound assets

Once restored, these monuments will become newfound assets for the Capital and contribute to Delhi’s emergence as a heritage city. — VK Saxena, Lieutenant-Governor

Saxena visited Balban’s Tomb, Jamali Kamali Mosque and Tomb and Rajon ki Baoli in Mehrauli Archaeological Park and Lalkot Baoli and Qila Rai Pithora in Sanjay Van.

“The L-G asked the officials to chalk out a concrete plan of action and complete the works before the onset of monsoon this year. The DDA will undertake the exercise of redevelopment of all these monuments on its own expense,” officials added.

During the visit, the L-G also discovered two ancient wells in Rajon ki Baoli and Qila Rai Pithora that were lying in shambles, filled with heaps of garbage and muck.

Saxena directed officials to immediately commence the cleaning, restoration and conservation of the wells. He expressed regret that these heritage monuments, nestled within dense forests, had suffered from neglect over the years. However, once restored, these monuments would become newfound assets for the Capital and contribute to Delhi’s emergence as a heritage city, Saxena emphasised.

The L-G had requested the transfer of these sites to DDA for conservation, restoration and redevelopment works, and Union Culture Minister G Kishan Reddy had agreed to hand over the ASI monuments located in these sites to DDA, an official disclosed.

The Culture Ministry has further agreed that DDA will utilise its resources for executing the conservation works, while ASI, with all its expertise, will supervise the conservation efforts. A high-level committee chaired by the Secretary (Culture), Government of India, will oversee the progress and ensure timely completion of works at all three sites, the official added.

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