Delhi: 20 forgotten monuments get a much-needed facelift

Delhi: The Department of Archaeology, Government of NCT of Delhi, has revealed that 20 monuments across the national capital are currently undergoing conservation and preservation work.

In response to a Right to Information (RTI) query filed by Patriot, the department shared the list of sites, which includes structures spanning various periods of Delhi’s rich historical tapestry. These heritage buildings are being restored through a combination of structural repairs, chemical conservation, and landscape interventions.

The sites include a diverse range of built heritage—from tombs and mosques to baradaris (compounds) and gateways—located in areas such as Mehrauli Archaeological Park, Lodhi Garden, RK Puram, Vasant Vihar, Turkman Gate, and Bawana village.

Bhuli Bhatiyari, Mutiny Memorial among key sites

Among the prominent monuments under restoration are Bhuli Bhatiyari Ka Mahal, situated in the southern ridge near Jhandewalan metro station; the Mutiny Memorial on the northern ridge near Hindu Rao Hospital; and the historic Turkman Gate on Asaf Ali Road.

Additionally, the department is working on several unnamed tombs and other medieval structures at Mehrauli Archaeological Park.

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Conservation priorities: Stability and authenticity

Speaking to Patriot, a senior official from the Department of Archaeology said, “Conservation works currently underway include strengthening of foundations, repairing damaged masonry, waterproofing of domes, lime plastering, and treatment against biological growth. At many sites, chemical conservation is being carried out to halt stone decay and to clean facades stained by pollution and time.”

The official added that maintaining the structural integrity and historical character of each monument remains the department’s central focus.

“Our priority is to ensure structural stability while maintaining the authenticity of each site,” he said.

“In places like the unknown tombs and the horse stable in Mehrauli, we are focusing on careful reconstruction of collapsed sections using traditional materials. At Turkman Gate and the Imambara on Qutub Road, stone cleaning and joint filling with lime mortar are in progress.”

Wide-ranging efforts across Delhi

Conservation work is also underway at the mosque and entrance gate of Baoli, the enclosing garden walls, a turret, and an unnamed mosque at Lodhi Garden; the embankment inside Talkatora Garden; Gol Gumbad near Lodhi Road flyover; Bijri Khan’s tomb at RK Puram; Bara Lao Ka Gumbad and the baradari at DDA Park in Vasant Vihar; Maqbara Paik near GTK Depot; the baradari at Qudsia Garden; and the Zail building at Bawana village.

While Delhi’s built heritage is often overshadowed by more prominent sites protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the state archaeology department continues to conduct periodic conservation drives. Nonetheless, heritage experts have expressed concerns over the pace and scope of these efforts.

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No fixed timeline yet

“Conservation is a time-intensive process,” the official clarified. “We are committed to using traditional methods and working under expert supervision to ensure that the historical character of each monument is preserved for future generations.”

Although a specific completion timeline has not been provided, the official noted that the work is expected to continue for “a few months.”