Delhi: Funds crunch stalls ASI’s efforts to restore Satpula Bridge

The Satpula Bridge, a 16th-century architectural gem in Delhi, continues to deteriorate as the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) grapples with a lack of funds. Tasked with preserving the historic structure, the ASI estimates Rs 45 lakh is needed for restoration but remains without the necessary financial support.

“We submitted a proposal for funding in December 2023, but the allocation hasn’t come through yet,” said an ASI official from the Delhi circle. “If the funding had come, we would have completed the work by December 2024.” The ASI comes under the Union Ministry of Culture.

The bridge, commissioned by Mughal Emperor Feroze Shah Tughlaq, stands as a testament to Delhi’s rich history. Located 800 metres east of the Khirki Masjid and part of the Jahanpanah city wall, it served as both a water harvesting dam and a defensive structure. Today, its walls are crumbling, overgrown vegetation mars its beauty, and locals lament the neglect.

A heritage site in decay

Residents of nearby areas describe the site as littered with garbage and plagued by unpleasant odours.

“A section of the bridge’s wall has collapsed, while liquor bottles and plastic waste are scattered everywhere,” said Rajesh Kumar, a Malviya Nagar resident. “The once serene waterbody near the bridge is now overtaken by weeds, and the entire site reeks of public urination.”

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Kumar added, “With proper restoration, the bridge could become a major heritage site. It’s painful to see such an important piece of history falling apart.”

The ASI has repeatedly appealed for funds but remains hindered by financial constraints. Without funding, the restoration work cannot proceed, leaving the site vulnerable to further damage.

“The delay in funding is preventing officials from taking action,” said Sarita Devi, a local resident. “Satpula Bridge is part of our identity and history. Watching it deteriorate while we wait for action is deeply disheartening.”

ASI officials have indicated that conservation remains a priority but expressed frustration at the bureaucratic delays. “We have plans in place to restore the bridge, but we are dependent on timely fund allocation. Without financial support, all we can do is watch the structure crumble,” said the ASI official.

Residents and heritage enthusiasts believe that Satpula Bridge has immense untapped potential as a tourist destination. Its picturesque location, spanning a waterbody, could attract both local and international visitors if restored.

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“This site could rival major heritage spots in Delhi with the right investment,” said Seema Sharma, a Delhi-based entrepreneur. “Imagine cafés, exhibitions, and cultural events held by the bridge. It could offer a unique experience for tourists, especially during the evenings.”

However, this vision remains a distant dream as long as the funding impasse continues. Sharma concluded, “This bridge has so much to offer, but without intervention, we’re losing a part of Delhi’s history every day.”

Satpula Bridge’s fate hangs in the balance. With Rs 45 lakh separating its decline from a potential revival, the onus lies on timely financial intervention. Until then, the 16th-century marvel stands as a poignant reminder of the city’s neglected heritage.