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Delhi Govt. inks deal to save monuments

Staff Reporter

As per the MoU, INTACH will provide its services for protection, conservation and management

92 monuments have been selected in the first phase
Step a countdown to Commonwealth Games 2010

NEW DELHI: The Delhi Government and the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage signed a memorandum of understanding on Wednesday for protection and conservation of 92 monuments in the Capital.

While the Department of Archaeology Director, Keshav Chandra, signed the MoU on behalf of the State Government, the Delhi Chapter of INTACH convenor, A.G.K. Menon, signed on behalf of his organisation in the presence of Delhi Chief Secretary Rakesh Mehta, who presided over the function.

The Department of Archaeology has prepared a list of 250 monuments to be conserved and protected in a phased manner depending on resources and infrastructure under the provisions of the Delhi Ancient and Historical Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 2004. Of these, 92 monuments have been selected in the first phase including those monuments which fall on the route of Commonwealth Games in 2010.

Since the Commonwealth Games-2010 will be hosted in Delhi, a large number of domestic as well as foreign visitors are expected to stay in the city. Keeping in view the importance being accorded to the historic city of Delhi, monuments are being spruced up and to make them attractive for tourists.

ASI intends to illuminate 15 major monuments keeping in view the Commonwealth Games-2010.

As per the MOU, the Delhi Chapter of INTACH will provide its services for protection, conservation and management of archaeological monuments and sites in Delhi and undertake activities in two phases.

For protection of monument under the provision of the Delhi Ancient and Historical Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 2004, INTACH under phase I of the project will undertake preparation of site plan of monuments showing all topographic features and structures up to 150 metres radius along with schedule and prohibited and regulated area of the monument and photo documentation and structural description of the monument.

For structural conservation, chemical preservation and refurbishment of monuments, INTACH under phase II of the project will undertake preparation of conservation note including drawings of the present condition, condition assessment and estimate for the work to be carried out with mutually agreed cost and execution of the conservation work, photo documentation before and after conservation -- pictorial presentation of the monument -- and preparation of architectural drawings.

It will also involve public and corporate sectors in maintaining monuments, environmental developmental and providing civic amenities for tourists and display of culture notice boards, direction board and signage. It will also involve public and corporate sectors for the security of monuments.

The ASI had prepared a list of monuments in Delhi in the second decade of 20th Century under the title “List of Hindu and Muhammadan Monuments of Delhi”.

According to this list, 1,317 monuments were located in the entire city of Delhi.

At present, 175 monuments have been declared as of national importance and are protected by the ASI as per their Central Act that includes three world heritage sites -- Qutb Minar, Hamayun Tomb and Red Fort. Further, INTACH has also listed about 1,200 monuments and heritage buildings under the title of “Built up Heritage in Delhi – A Listing”. These monuments are scattered all over the city.

After a long span of time, the Department of Archaeology has got statutory powers by enactment of Delhi Ancient and Historical Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 2004 with effect from September 7, 2005. Since the enactment of the Act, the responsibility to carry out over all activities in respect of monuments which are not under ASI rests with the Department of Archaeology for their protection and conservation.

In addition, the Department of Archaeology has to coordinate with the local civic bodies for development of integrated conservation areas.

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