Delhi: Five historic properties nestled within the enchanting Shalimar Bagh are poised for transformative restoration.
According to documents obtained from Delhi Development Authority (DDA), the garden will witness conservation of Sheesh Mahal, Baradari, colonial-era cottages and rejuvenation of a water body.
Several measures will be taken for the conservation of Sheesh Mahal.
“It will be provided with 150 mm thick traditional waterproofing layer on terrace and dome, racking and pointing the traditional lakhori brick masonry joints, underpinning of damaged, chemical stone cleaning, chemical cleaning of inner and outer plate surface, ornamental plaster work, conservation of fresco painting,” reads the conservation plan.
It further stated, “Stone flooring using red sandstone, scientific excavation over surrounding areas, cutting and removal of rank vegetation and thick bushes, disposal of debris from site, making and providing sandstone rain water spouts, application of fungicides on outer surface, scraping and painting of MS gate, steel work welded in built up sections, providing and fixing of stainless-steel signboard, providing and fixing prefab porta cabin, landscaping of surrounding areas.
“Revival of old water well behind the monument, illumination of monument, lighting arrangement, installation of CCTV cameras will be taken up,” it added.
The DDA will also take up rejuvenation of a water body at Sheesh Mahal complex.
“The water channel is to be restored and treated water is to be recirculated from the well to the existing water channel. Gusped arches in the waterbody will also be restored,” the proposal copy reads.
The documents further state that there will be conservation of Baradari structure at Shalimar Bagh.
“It will include clearing of unwanted vegetation, provision of scaffolding, earthwork in excavation, dismantling of old plaster and replastering of interior and exterior, providing and fixing of reinforcement, laying of stone slab on roof, lime concrete in brick aggregate, plinth protection,” it says.
“Consolidation of traditional brick masonry in lakhori and plain arches, tile brick masonry with common burnt clay brick in superstructure and arches… Sterilising treatment using biocide, lime grouting in brickwork cavity,” it adds.
Cottage 1 will also undergo conservation.
“This involves clearing of unwanted vegetation, clearing of unwanted plaster and replastering of interior and exterior, providing and fixing of reinforcement, laying of stone slab on roof, lime punning, surface dressing, lime concrete in brick,” it reads.
Officials said that the colonial-era structure built in 1930s will be turned into a book café after restoration.
The department has planned conservation and adaptive reuse of Cottage 2 also.
“This will also see removal of vegetation, clearing of unwanted plaster and replastering of interior and exterior, providing and fixing of reinforcement, laying of stone slab on roof, lime concrete in brick aggregate and plinth protection etc,” the documents read.
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This structure will be turned into a cafeteria after restoration.
Shalimar Bagh, also known as Shalimar Garden, is a Mughal Garden located on the banks of Yamuna. It was named Aizzabad Bagh after Izz-un-Nissa, wife of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in 1653, who ordered its construction.
It is known as replica of the Shalimar Bagh in Kashmir, which was laid by Mughal emperor Jahangir in 1619. The Shalimar Bagh of Delhi, however, is now abandoned but still houses trees, majestic parterre and structures such as the Sheesh Mahal and the garden pavilion.
Delhi L-G had visited the Mughal-era Shalimar Bagh and directed the DDA to chalk out a roadmap for the redevelopment and restoration of the historic complex in coordination with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
