ASI shelves plan to introduce cultural events, facilities at Safdarjung Tomb

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has dropped its plan to allow cultural events and introduce other facilities at Safdarjung Tomb, Patriot has learned.

“Among the planned upgrades were a cafeteria, state-of-the-art elevators, and regular cultural events, all designed to enhance the visitor experience after dark. However, the department objected due to the presence of graveyards at the monument, and for now, the plan has been shelved,” an ASI official said.

In an effort to revitalise and promote the rich cultural heritage of Safdarjung Tomb, the Dalmia Foundation, which has adopted the monument under the government’s ‘Adopt a Heritage’ programme, proposed a series of innovative changes aimed at boosting night tourism.

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“The foundation had planned a cultural event at Safdarjung Tomb on February 28, but officials denied permission, citing the presence of graveyards,” the official added.

This would have been the first ever cultural event at the monument.

Similarly, in January, the ASI withdrew a proposal by the Dalmia Foundation to host cultural events at the historic Humayun’s Tomb. The decision followed objections from multiple stakeholders, including the Aga Khan Foundation and residents of Nizamuddin East, who argued that such activities were inappropriate for a site housing over 150 graves.

The proposal had included hosting evening cultural events, installing elevators to improve accessibility, and setting up a cafeteria.

Currently, only a handful of monuments in Delhi, such as the Red Fort, Sunder Nursery, and Mehrauli Archaeological Park, have cafes. Cultural festivals are occasionally held at monuments like the Red Fort and Purana Qila.

Despite the renewed interest in Delhi’s monuments, Patriot has learned from official records that only about 35 visitors visit Safdarjung Tomb in the evening each week—a stark contrast to the bustling foot traffic it sees during the day.

ASI officials acknowledge that Safdarjung Tomb faces several challenges in becoming a popular nighttime destination. “The monument is located in a quieter part of the city. Another issue is the entrance fee, and it is also not particularly couple-friendly.

Additionally, the monument lacks proper gardens and food outlets,” the official noted.

In a recent development, the ASI extended visiting hours at Humayun’s Tomb from 6 PM to 9 PM as part of a broader effort to make the city’s monuments more accessible to tourists after sunset.

The ASI has also illuminated several other monuments around Delhi, transforming them into nighttime spectacles. Among the latest illuminated landmarks are the Shish Gumbad and Bada Gumbad in Lodhi Garden, Adam Khan’s Tomb, and Chaumuka Darwaza in the Qutub Minar complex.

Safdarjung Tomb was illuminated for the first time in 2019, with special lighting designed to highlight its historical grandeur and architectural splendour. This initiative, the first of its kind for the monument, was part of broader efforts to make it a must-visit nighttime destination.

In contrast, the Red Fort has been illuminated for many years, while the Qutub Minar was lit up in 2023, complete with a light-and sound show to attract visitors.

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Historians and visitors have raised concerns about tourist safety, especially at night. Many argued that simply illuminating the monuments wouldn’t be enough to attract visitors; improving security, particularly for women, was essential.