Delhi: Lake at Tughlaqabad Fort to welcome visitors in March

Delhi: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is currently restoring a lake at Tughlaqabad Fort, which is expected to open to the public in March.

An official from ASI’s Delhi Circle told Patriot that the restoration work is underway. “We discovered the origins of the waterbody, known as Hansa Ki Johar, on the backside of the monument last year. Following this, the higher authorities decided to restore it. The restoration work began last April and is expected to be completed in March,” the official said.

The official added that the lake will be open to the public once the restoration is complete. “We are hopeful that this will attract more visitors to the monument and enhance its overall appeal,” he said.

Phase-Wise Restoration

The first phase of the restoration work has already been completed. “In the first phase, we cleared the lake of debris, constructed pathways, installed fences, gates, and established a proper drainage system,” he explained.

The second phase of the restoration is expected to begin soon, pending final approval from the authorities. “In the second phase, we will focus on desilting the lake, and it will be filled with fresh water,” the official said.

The official also mentioned that the restored waterbody could attract morning walkers. “It will offer a perfect blend of fresh air, fitness, and a historical monument in the background,” he added.

Encroachments, Challenges

The restoration project is being carried out at an estimated cost of Rs 2 crores. “ASI plans to restore other water bodies at the monument as well, and we are actively considering plans for that,” the official said.

Hansa Ki Johar had been encroached upon by nearby residents living next to the fort. ASI has conducted multiple anti-encroachment drives in the past to reclaim the land, and these efforts are ongoing. Officials mentioned that several portions of the monument remain encroached, and more such drives are planned.

Restoration Of Waterbodies

ASI is taking up the restoration of water bodies on priority, following directions from Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor, VK Saxena. In 2023, ASI revived a waterbody at Mehrauli Archaeological Park, which was inaugurated by the Lieutenant Governor.

“I instructed DDA to immediately conserve and restore Balban’s Tomb, Jamali Kamali, and Rajon ki Baoli in Mehrauli Archaeological Park, and Lalkot Baoli at Qila Rai Pithora in Sanjay Van,” the LG had stated in May last year.

ASI officials confirmed that other water bodies are also being revived. “We recently completed the desilting and restoration of Rajaon Ki Baoli at Mehrauli Archaeological Park after more than two decades. We are also restoring water bodies at Sheesh Mahal and Shalimar Bagh,” the official added.

Security Concerns

While Tughlaqabad Fort’s outer walls are illuminated at night to attract visitors, ASI has not promoted night tourism at the monument, unlike at other monuments like the Red Fort, Qutub Minar, and Humayun’s Tomb. The fort remains open only from sunrise to sunset.

“The lack of promotion is one reason, but security concerns also play a role. The monument is located on a hillock, and the surrounding area is deserted, making it less appealing for late-night visitors,” the official explained.

Also Read: Humayun’s Tomb night tourism sparks debate over heritage conservation

In 2019, Tughlaqabad Fort was illuminated by ASI and NBCC. A 1.5 km stretch at the front of the fort and parts of the interior were lit up for the project, which cost approximately Rs 3 crores. Around 300 LED lights were installed.

Visitors to the fort often have a negative experience due to security issues, unauthorised entry points, and the presence of snakes.

Tughlaqabad Fort, a ruined structure, was built in 1321 by Ghiyasuddin Tughluq, the founder of the Tughlaq dynasty and ruler of the Delhi Sultanate. The fort was abandoned in 1327, just six years after its construction.