Delhi Assembly heritage site to be conserved, IGNCA to submit report in three weeks

A comprehensive development plan will be formulated based on a feasibility report the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) would submit within three weeks, the Vidhan Sabha Secretariat said in a statement on Tuesday. A committee comprising officials from IGNCA, National Archives, Municipal Corporation of Delhi, Delhi Assembly and experts will be formed to oversee the initiative, it added.

The Vidhan Sabha building, constructed in 1912, housed the Central Legislative Assembly, which was later shifted to the Sansad Bhawan in 1927.

The first convocation of Delhi University was held in the assembly hall of the Vidhan Sabha building on March 26, 1923. When New Delhi became the Capital of India, the Central Hall of the Old Secretariat was used to host academic and cultural events.

Following this, the building fell in disuse. In 1952, the building was handed over to house the Delhi Assembly, which was disbanded in 1956. The building, from 1966, housed the Metropolitan Council for Delhi, established by the Delhi Administration Act. However, since December, 1993, the Old Secretariat has housed the Delhi Assembly.

Maintaining that the Vidhan Sabha building served as the first ‘Parliament of India’, officials said that the meeting was aimed at formulating a roadmap to elevate the Assembly as a site of national heritage importance. It also emphasised the need to preserve traditional architectural features and techniques employed in its original construction, thereby honouring the craftsmanship of earlier generations, the statement said.

Further, the plan envisions a light and sound show to celebrate the legacy of the Assembly, along with the production of a documentary film to chronicle its historical and democratic significance, it added. “The ultimate goal is to transform the Assembly premises into a destination of historical and cultural eminence capable of attracting dignitaries, delegates and visitors from across the globe,” said an official.

Officials added that during the meeting, discussions were held on how to implement a holistic approach that combines modern conservation methodologies with traditional heritage values.

The Speaker elaborated his vision to transform the Assembly building into a “living heritage site”, symbolising both the historical evolution of democratic governance in India and the rich cultural legacy of Delhi. “He emphasised the importance of such initiatives in fostering national pride and educating younger generations. As part of this vision, he proposed opening the Assembly to the general public on weekends, allowing them to engage with the nation’s architectural and democratic heritage,” said an official.