The Hindu : New Delhi News : 60 years on, Yusuf Zai market in CP readies for a make-over

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Monday, Dec 17, 2007
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New Delhi

60 years on, Yusuf Zai market in CP readies for a make-over

Manisha Jha

NEW DELHI: Built in 1947 as a rehabilitation market, the Yusuf Zai market in the Outer Circle of Connaught Place is now getting ready to undergo its first major redevelopment in 60 years. The project is expected to be given the go-ahead by the New Delhi Municipal Council at its meeting this Wednesday.

According to the civic body, the market will undergo facade restoration and beautification to lend it a uniform neat look. A rooftop “jali” would be provided for ventilation along with glass show-windows for the first floor. Other proposed changes include laying of coloured tiled footpath in front of the shops. Underground electric cables would also be provided for facilitating individual electricity connections to the shops. In addition, the corner walls of the side shops would be embellished with murals for aesthetic purposes. The entire project is scheduled to be completed in 12 months after the civic body’s approval.

Known for its famously crowded food joints, the market consists of a total of 106 shops and houses several utility shops among others. An NDMC official said: “We plan to redevelop the market on similar lines as the Tibetan Market and the Janpath Market with standardised sigh boards and uniform front elevation. At present, the shops are of different heights and look haphazard and un-aesthetic.”

Since the project is being planned in keeping with the overall redevelopment of Connaught Place, the civic body is planning to restore the shops’ facade to the original heritage look being planned for the block buildings in Connaught Place.

Budgeted at Rs 2.5 crore, the project is being planned with participation of the market federation called the Connaught Circus Municipal Market Association.

Said CCMMA president H. S. Moti: “We have decided to finance the cost of straightening the frontal building structure on our own while the NDMC would pitch in the cost for the rest of the works.”

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