Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena unveiled restored heritage structures at Mehrauli Archaeological Park on October 20, informed Delhi Development Authority (DDA) in a press release.
“In line with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to promote ‘Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi’, Vinai Kumar Saxena, Lt Governor Delhi today unveiled restored heritage structures at Mehrauli Archaeological Park as part of the Government’s mission to conserve Delhi’s rich heritage and its ancient glory,” the release stated.
Union Minister of State for Culture Meenakshi Lekhi and Vice Chairman of DDA, Subhasish Panda, were also present on the occasion.
The LG has been personally monitoring the entire project, and several coordination meetings were held under his supervision to resolve various pending issues, ensuring proper coordination among various departments. All the works have been completed in record time due to the regular monitoring and site inspections by the LG.
“Within 6-7 months, this place has transformed. People of Delhi deserve good places where they can spend leisure time with their family and we are making all efforts to revive heritage places,” Vinai Kumar Saxena said.
The cost of the project is approximately Rs 2.6 crore. The Mehrauli Archaeological Park now boasts of restored and conserved heritage structures, including Balban’s Tomb complex, which was once completely covered with weeds.
It has improved landscaping and additional greens in and around restored historic structures. Vantage points have been created for a mesmerising view of Qutub Minar from the park. Similarly, Quli Khan Tomb, which was lying in a dilapidated State, has been restored with intricate interior works.
The monuments have been interconnected with pathways, and access has been given to all the 55 heritage structures of the park, which were earlier missing, the DDA stated.
The park also has a rejuvenated water body near Metcalfe Boathouse with aerator fountains, cascade and illumination. Besides, important heritage structures/ monuments have also been illuminated. There are adequate public amenities for visitors to spend leisure time in the park.
The restoration and conservation works have been done on the principles of heritage conservation, maintaining the authenticity and structural integrity of the structures. Also, suitable adaptive reuses have been proposed to enhance the visitor’s experience and to preserve the historical and cultural value of heritage structures while giving them new functions and uses as per the global practice, as per DDA.
LG Vinai Kumar Saxena visited the site thrice on February 4, May 6 and July 29, respectively, wherein directions for conservation and restoration, repair and maintenance, including beautification, landscaping, desilting etc. were issued to various departments.
Several coordination meetings have been held under LG Vinai Kumar Saxena to resolve the various issues, ensuring proper coordination among various departments.
(with inputs from ANI)
