A rejuvenation and conservation project has breathed new life into a cluster of monuments and a historical water body within the expansive Mehrauli Archaeological Park in South Delhi. This revitalization initiative has bestowed a new lease of life upon monuments that had been neglected, some bearing graffiti on their walls, and has rejuvenated a water body that, until about seven months ago, lay buried beneath silt and waste. The ceremonial unveiling of these preserved monuments and the restored water body was done by Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena on Friday evening. The park neighbors the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Qutub Minar.
“Delhi is full of heritage and there is a need to preserve it. Few months ago, this area had dense jungle, debris lay scattered and the water body was covered in silt. But, in 6-7 months the area has been transformed,” Saxena told reporters during his visit to the park which comes under the DDA.
More in the offing
The Lieutenant Governor, who is also the Chairman of the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), under which the park falls, mentioned plans for more such heritage site revivals and teased that “another gift” for Delhi residents will be unveiled in November.
In response to questions about the previous demolition actions carried out in the park, Saxena clarified that illegal structures faced action, but legally built ones remained untouched.
During the event, Lieutenant Governor Saxena and other officials visited several refurbished iconic sites in the Mehrauli Archaeological Park, including the Quli Khan Tomb, Balban Tomb complex, and Metcalf House. The “Unknown Circular Monument” has been adaptively reused and transformed into a cafeteria following its preservation. The DDA revealed that approximately 55 heritage monuments within the park have been linked via pathways.
‘Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi’
The Rs 2.6 crore project, initiated in March, has not only revitalized the park but also contributed to its aesthetic appeal. Lieutenant Governor Saxena, in conversation with PTI, anticipated an increase in visitor footfall following the restoration and redevelopment.
The project aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi’, and is a part of the government’s mission to conserve Delhi’s rich heritage and its ancient splendor, as stated by the DDA.
Union Minister of State for Culture Meenakashi Lekhi and Subhasish Panda, Vice Chairman of DDA, were also present at the event. Lieutenant Governor Saxena personally supervised the entire project, conducting coordination meetings to resolve outstanding issues and ensure seamless collaboration among various departments.
Revamped heritage structures
The revamped Mehrauli Archaeological Park now boasts meticulously preserved and conserved heritage structures, such as Balban’s Tomb complex, which was once engulfed in weeds. The project has also enhanced landscaping and greenery in and around these historical landmarks, offering vantage points with panoramic views of the Qutub Minar. Furthermore, it has restored the Quli Khan Tomb and established pathways that connect all 55 heritage structures in the park.
(With inputs from PTI)