The Hindu : New Delhi News : NDMC approves redevelopment of Hanuman Mandir Plaza

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Saturday, Oct 20, 2007
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New Delhi

NDMC approves redevelopment of Hanuman Mandir Plaza

Manisha Jha

NEW DELHI: The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has approved a proposal for redevelopment of Hanuman Mandir Plaza on Baba Kharak Singh Marg.

The NDMC will rope in contractors to give the temple a much-needed facelift and also develop the area around it. Apart from providing parking at the rear of the temple, the project envisages a guided entry and exit at the temple, dedicated space for food stalls, “prasad” distribution for beggars, flowers and shoe rooms.

The highlight of the project would be the creation of a plaza in front of the temple at different levels with seating arrangements, walkways and ramps.

An NDMC official said: “We are not planning much structural construction in this project, but only earmarking specific areas for ‘phoolwalas’, ‘mehendiwalas’, ‘chudiwalas’, ‘prasad-sellers and beggars at designated areas in the temple complex. The emphasis is on creating two levels, separating these areas from the main temple entry area and on improving the flooring.”

In addition, the NDMC is planning to construct two new toilet blocks in the complex and also augment the drainage, sewerage, water supply, electrical and lighting systems.

The presentation of the conceptual plan for redevelopment of the temple was made by the consultant, Oasis Design, to the NDMC Chairperson in August 2006 and also shown to the Hanuman Temple management committee. The plan was also shown to Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit in August 2006 and was finally approved by the Chairperson in November 2006. Budgeted at Rs.4.17 crore, the project was originally scheduled to be executed by October and completed by December 2008.

However, there were concerns from the temple’s management committee that had to be incorporated into the conceptual plan and caused delay in the matter.

The NDMC official said: “The temple’s management committee had some concerns and we decided to hear them out.”

According to Shri Hanuman Ji Maharaj Trust secretary Kant Sharma, the temple trustees were interested in having a boundary wall around the temple for security purposes.

However, the NDMC did not agree to it saying it would be spending a lot on the project and wants the temple to be visible to everyone.

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