Crack-ridden bastion at Delhi’s Purana Qila ‘unsafe’; ASI clears restoration plan

A northern bastion of the 16th-century Purana Qila here has developed deep structural cracks, its condition ever-deteriorating owing to monsoon spells, with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) declaring the part ‘critical and unsafe’, and initiating restoration works.

The affected structure, identified as North-West Bastion No. 3, overlooks the fort’s artificial lake. Long cracks have become visible along its stone walls and floor, while fresh debris can be seen scattered inside and outside, indicating continuous structural deterioration, the ASI said.

The agency shared that the damaged bastion has been covered with tarpaulin to prevent rainwater seepage. Temporary scaffolding has been erected near the structure, with access to the affected portion now restricted.

All approaches leading to the damaged bastion have been barricaded as a precaution. Sabhyata Foundation — the NGO entrusted with the management of Purana Qila — has been instructed to ensure visitors do not enter the restricted area and all safety measures remain in place.

According to the ASI, the emergency conservation and restoration of the bastion was approved by the competent authority on August 3. The tender process and other formalities are currently underway before restoration begins.

“The situation is being closely monitored, and all necessary precautionary measures have been taken to safeguard both the monument and the visiting public until the conservation work is taken up,” the ASI shared.

The agency said the bastion has been assessed as “critical and unsafe” because of continuous heavy rainfall and progressive deterioration of masonry.

It said the entire exposed surface has been covered with tarpaulin to minimise further water damage during the monsoon.

The ASI said geologists, structural engineers and other experts are assisting in assessing the causes behind the recurring structural distress. Their findings will help determine appropriate scientific conservation measures before restoration work is undertaken.

The bastion has been under scrutiny ever since a portion of its masonry collapsed in August last year. Since then, visible cracks have continued to widen across walls and flooring, raising concerns over the condition of the structure.

Purana Qila, one of Delhi’s oldest surviving forts, was built by Humayun and later strengthened by Sher Shah Suri during the 16th century.

Spread over nearly 1.5 km, the monument houses important structures such as the Qila-i-Kuhna Mosque and the Sher Mandal. It remains one of Delhi’s most visited protected monuments, making the preservation of its historic bastions a conservation priority.