DDA’s heritage cell will involve residents in conservation

The decision was taken at a meeting of the Delhi Urban Heritage Foundation (DUHF), chaired by Lieutenant-Governor Najeeb Jung on Monday. It was decided that schemes, which will involve the people of Delhi in conservation of its heritage, would be launched.

The meeting was also attended by the Chief Secretary, vice-chairman (DDA), chief architect (DDA), newly co-opted members of the DUHF, including professor Romila Thapar, Convener of Delhi Chapter of INTACH AGK Menon, project director (Aga Khan Trust for Culture) Ratish Nanda and DU professor Amar Farooqui.

“Delhi has a rich history and heritage and we must do all we can to help conserve it. DUHF must take the lead in helping the city preserve its rich history,” Jung said.

DUHF was set up by DDA to safeguard and built the natural heritage of Delhi. At present, it has completed conservation and landscape of the Lado Sarai Tomb and renovation of Ex-Vice Regal Lodge at Delhi University.

DDA identifies 1,208 heritage structures and 22 conservation areas in Delhi, of which 174 are protected by the Archaeological Society of India and 19 by the State Archaeology Department.

During the meeting, the Lt-Governor also reviewed progress on conservation of Sultan Garhi Tomb and its precincts, the Cultural Resource Management Plan for an archaeological park in Mehrauli, and restoration of the Anglo Arabic Senior Secondary School at Ajmeri Gate.

Restoration of Bengali Club at Kashmere Gate and the Hazrat Nizammudin Basti Urban Renewal Master Plan were also discussed at the meeting.