Delhi’s Waste-to-Art ‘Shaheedi Park’ opens to public

Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena and Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday inaugurated the ‘Shaheedi Park’ set up by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi over 4.5 acres of land, where artefacts give a glimpse of ancient, medieval and modern Indian history.

The park’s unveiling marks a significant milestone in commemorating India’s freedom fighters through a collection of sculptures crafted from recycled materials.

This will be the third waste-to-art themed park in the city after the Waste to Wonder park at Sarai Kale Khan and the Bharat Darshan Park at Punjabi Bagh, which feature replicas of the seven wonders of the world, and Indian heritage monuments, respectively.

The inauguration event was accompanied by the resonant strains of patriotic anthems like ‘Mera Rang de Basanti Chola‘ setting a poignant tone for the occasion.

The revitalised park project was executed by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and is set to open its doors to the public on August 9, as announced through the MCD’s official account on the social media platform X. This innovative park is touted as “India’s first outdoor museum park” by the MCD.

The park’s design and installations vividly narrate the tales of valor and sacrifice by the heroes of India’s independence struggles and subsequent wars. With its meticulously crafted artifacts and vibrant illuminations, ‘Shaheedi Park’ promises to be a captivating spectacle, inviting visitors to witness the monumental sacrifices made by those who contributed to the nation’s golden era.

Encompassing an expansive area of 4.5 acres, the park has been transformed into an iconic recreational space that serves as a living testament to India’s rich history. Through its sculptures, reliefs, and figures, the park encapsulates key epochs in Indian history, along with the diversity of cultures and the valor of heroes who shaped the nation.

Originally established around two decades ago, the park now boasts an array of attractions, each portraying India’s cultural and historical heritage. Delightful motifs and artistic installations grace the landscape, immortalising pivotal events, prominent figures, and crucial historical periods that have shaped the nation.

A distinctive feature of this park lies in its grand design, which seamlessly incorporates themes of unity, diversity, and the nation’s struggle for independence. The park’s lush greenery, intricate gardens, and tranquil pathways provide a serene environment for contemplation, while also serving as an educational platform, imparting valuable insights into India’s journey towards freedom and progress.

The transformation of ‘Shaheedi Park’ is the result of collaborative efforts between ten skilled artists and approximately 700 artisans, who dedicated six months to craft the intricate sculptures from recycled materials, utilising around 250 tonnes of scrap.

To further enhance the park’s aesthetic appeal, an impressive total of 56,000 trees and shrubs, including Champa, Kachnar, ficus, and Syngonium, have been planted. This ambitious redevelopment endeavor comes at an estimated cost of nearly Rs 15 crore.

The park also accommodates a souvenir shop and a food kiosk, adding to the recreational amenities available for visitors. Nine distinct sets and three galleries have been meticulously curated, housing an impressive collection of 93 two-dimensional sculptures and 20 three-dimensional sculptures, offering an immersive experience for visitors.

The foundation stone for ‘Shaheedi Park’ was laid by Saxena on July 23 of the previous year. The timing of the park’s inauguration, on the eve of the historic ‘Quit India’ movement anniversary, holds deep symbolism. This pivotal campaign against British rule was initiated on August 9, 1942, following Mahatma Gandhi’s impassioned “do or die” speech at the Bombay session of the Congress on August 8.

The park’s installations include sculptures of renowned historical figures such as Raja Porus, Chanakya, Emperor Ashoka, Rani Laxmibai, and Swami Vivekananda, among others. Additionally, artworks portraying events like the Sanyasi Vidroh and Adivasi Vidroh, as well as iconic personalities like Mahatma Gandhi and Raja Rammohun Roy, are showcased throughout the park.

‘Shaheedi Park’ stands as the third achievement of the MCD under its ‘waste-to-wealth’ initiative, following the success of the ‘Seven Wonders Park’ in Sarai Kale Khan and the Bharat Darshan Park in Punjabi Bagh, which respectively feature replicas of the world’s wonders and India’s iconic monuments. (With inputs from PTI)