DDA to undertake redevelopment of three parks under ASI’s supervision

The Delhi Development Authority is set to embark on the task of conserving, restoring, and redeveloping the Mehrauli Archaeological Park, Sanjay Van, and Shalimar Bagh, officials announced on Friday. These three parks, previously neglected, are home to several ASI-protected monuments.

According to officials, the DDA will spearhead a comprehensive redevelopment effort for these parks and monuments, entirely funded by themselves and supervised by the ASI. The objective, as quoted by Delhi Lt Governor V K Saxena, is to transform the capital into a “city of heritage”.

The ASI, falling under the central Ministry of Culture, has cleared the path for the redevelopment of ‘Dilli Chalo Park’, Ghata Masjid Park, Urdu Academy, and Sadbhavna Park following Saxena’s correspondence with Union Culture Minister G Kishan Reddy.

In line with the vision of the Delhi LG, the DDA will now take charge of the conservation, restoration, rejuvenation, and redevelopment of the Mehrauli Archaeological Park, Sanjay Van, and Shalimar Bagh, fully funded by themselves and under the ASI’s supervision.

An MoU between the DDA and ASI is scheduled to be signed within the next week, although preliminary work such as planning and resource mobilisation has already begun, as per agreements between the two entities.

Reddy has consented to transfer ASI monuments within these sites to the DDA, as per Saxena’s request. Additionally, the ministry has handed over ‘Dilli Chalo’ park, Ghata Masjid park, Urdu Academy, and Sadbhavna Park behind the Red Fort and the Walled City for rejuvenation and redevelopment to the DDA.

Tenders for the redevelopment projects of these parks are in advanced stages, officials revealed. Saxena, in his communication with Reddy, cited the DDA’s successful restoration work in the Mehrauli Archaeological Park, St. James Church, and Qudasia Ghat – Vasudev Ghat in the city.

To ensure timely completion, a high-level committee chaired by the Union culture secretary will monitor the progress of works on all three sites.

Sanjay Van, housing numerous medieval monuments including Qila Rai Pithora from the Tomar dynasty, served as the capital of Prithviraj Chauhan in the pre-Sultanate period. Notable monuments like Rajon Ki Baoli and Anangtal Baoli are also situated here.

Similarly, Shalimar Bagh in north Delhi boasts the Sheesh Mahal and an extensive Mughal Garden, along with various relics from the Mughal era. It is noted that Emperor Aurangzeb’s coronation took place at Shalimar Bagh. (With inputs from PTI)