Red Fort suffered damages worth Rs 1 crore in Jan ’21

The historic Red Fort suffered damages exceeding Rs1 crore after farmers stormed the monument during a protest on Republic Day in January 2021, a Right to Information (RTI) query has revealed.

According to the RTI response, the total estimated damage amounted to Rs1,04,78,675.

It included conservation of damaged portions, modern flooring, veneering, copping, and grill repairs at Rs 11,91,357; repair and maintenance of toilet facilities and the booking counter by NBCC at Rs 7,00,768; repair and maintenance of illumination lights in the well area and fort wall by NBCC at Rs 14,57,670; repair of the drinking water facility cabin by Pilo at Rs 1,08,700; repair and damage costs for the public audio guide facility by Narro Casters at Rs 3,78,791; repair and maintenance of turnstiles, servers, cameras, etc., by Godrej at Rs 26,40,099; and security gadgets for CISF, including HHMD, DFMD, and baggage scanners at Rs 40,01,250.

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Thousands of farmers protesting against the controversial agricultural reforms stormed the Mughal-era fort, breaching barricades and clashing with the police. The Red Fort, commissioned by emperor Shah Jahan, represents the pinnacle of Mughal architecture, blending Persian influences with indigenous Indian traditions.

Protesters scaled the walls of the iconic monument and hoisted a flag alongside India’s national flag.

Tear gas and flashbangs were used as police tried to contain large crowds of protesters, both on foot and in tractors, who broke through barricades. The rally, initially on a designated route, deviated from the agreed path, leading to violent clashes.

Officials reported that one protester died, while more than 80 police officers were injured. In response, mobile internet services were suspended in parts of Delhi, and several metro stations were temporarily closed.

It was one of the longest farmers-led protests ever seen in India.

In May 2021, the Delhi Police, in its charge sheet in the Republic Day violence case, alleged that there was a conspiracy to capture the Red Fort and turn it into a new protest site against the three farm laws.

More recently, in February 2024, the Red Fort was completely shut and surrounded by barricades and containers due to the rapidly intensifying farmer protests around the national capital. The Shambhu border point between Punjab and Haryana—a key passage for farmers heading to Delhi as part of their ‘Delhi Chalo’ call—witnessed heightened tensions.

Every year on January 26 and August 15, the Indian Prime Minister hoists the tricolour from the ramparts of the Red Fort in Delhi—a tradition begun by India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru in 1947 when the country gained independence.

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The monument attracts a significant number of visitors, both domestic and international. The Red Fort welcomes over two million visitors annually and is a popular location for film shoots.