Delhi: Roshanara Bagh to get a complete makeover by October end

Delhi Roshanara Bagh October: The conservation of various structures at Roshanara Bagh, a garden from the Mughal era, is set to be completed by the end of October.

“We have been given the deadline to complete the work within three months. Work is going on in full swing and we expect to finish the restoration within the given timeframe,” an official from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Delhi circle, told Patriot.

“Efforts are underway to restore the damaged structures at Roshanara Bagh and enhance its beauty,” the official added. The official further said that they are currently conserving the terracotta jalie of the tomb.

“We are repairing and fixing it. Wherever necessary, it is being replaced with the same material,” he explained. “It appears that terracotta jalie has been damaged by children or the anti-social elements and it has been lying in a bad condition,” he said before adding, “stone pillars of the tomb are also being restored to its original glory.”

“The restoration work will also undergo ornamental plaster, punning, and painting, including water tightening of the roof,” he continued.

The historic Punjabi gate at the garden has also been restored. “It has seen painting and gypsum punning of the walls,” he said. The water tank at Baradari of the tomb was also in poor condition but now it is being conserved. “We have replastered it and currently we are planting flowers around the tank. This will enhance its appearance,” said the ASI official.

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“The steps and parapet walls around Baradari are also being restored,” he added. Earlier, water channels used to be filled with garbage and filth. “They have been cleaned up now. We have added lime plastering to help in its restoration,” he said.

ASI will also undertake restoration of water fountains in the future. “Revival of water fountains and channels will be taken up after research and hiring a consultant,” the official added.

The restoration project is being carried out for Rs 1.90 crore. Spread over 57 acres, the 17th-century Roshanara Bagh is a garden developed by the second daughter of emperor Shah Jahan and Begum Mumtaz Mahal.

The original garden was designed and commissioned by the princess in the 1650s at the time Shahjahanabad was being built.

The baradari at the centre of the garden now serves as her resting place.
In March this year, Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena inspected the ongoing
restoration work.

He said that the Capital will soon get a new tourist destination with the heritage makbara
(tomb) of Begum Roshanara and the surrounding assets like the restored lake, garden, nursery, and walkways.

The LG also wrote on his official handle of X, “The makeover of the historic Roshanara Bagh since my first visit on 18.6.22 has started to become visible. Work for restoration & rejuvenation of this 57-acre asset with a lake, garden, nursery, walkways, and public utilities right in the heart of the city is in progress.”

He added, “The heritage makbara of Begum Roshanara is being restored to its glory and the park around it will be adorned with flowers and plants. The water body is slowly but surely coming to life. North Delhi eagerly awaits the Capital’s new destination.”

Over the last one year, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and other government agencies have undertaken multiple projects to rejuvenate the space.

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MCD has completed the revival of the dead lake inside the garden. The department also
plans to start a ticketed boating facility at the lake in the coming months.

The beautification of the garden includes developing of walking track, green belt, and sitting area. MCD will also set up an advanced nursery on 8.5 acres of land next to the garden at an estimated cost of Rs 50 lakh.