Plan for greener Nizamuddin finally takes off

The second phase will include construction of parking slots and a water-recycling mechanism. According to AKTC and MCD officials,the idea is not just to restore monuments but also upgrade the area and improve the living conditions of its residents without changing the character of the locality.

Despite being nestled between the majestic Humayun’s Tomb and upscale localities like Jangpura,the Basti is currently in an abysmal state of cleanliness. The AKTC plans to clear away the dirt from spaces that intercept the bylanes of the Basti and turn them all into green zones. According to officials,while the area draws a lot of tourists,with monuments such as the Dargah of Nizamuddin Auliya,Mazar-e-Ghalib,Baoli and Chaunsath Khamba dotting it,the place itself has not been maintained in a befitting manner.

Work has begun on three small parks,while many more are going to come up soon. AKTC project director Ratish Nanda said that work on one of the parks,meant strictly for women and children,has already begun. The parks are expected to be completed by the end of January next year.

Under their “landscaping” plan,the MCD and the AKTC will put up tiles and streetlights on the pavements that match the décor of the dargah and other monuments. Farhad Suri,councillor of the area and former mayor,said the upgrade plan has been in the pipeline for the last three years and will be undertaken in a phased manner.

For the AKTC,the Nizamuddin Basti is part of The Humayun’s Tomb-Sunder Nursery-Hazrat Nizamuddin Basti Urban Renewal Project,for which it has partnered with the DDA,the Archaeological Survey of India,the Central Public Works Department and the MCD. The parks,which are currently being developed,belong to the DDA.

To make the Basti greener,the AKTC will also plant trees near buildings and revamp the roundabouts.