Red Fort conservation plan gets underway

As part of a concerted effort to conserve the monument,the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) commissioned the Cultural Resource Conservation Initiative (CRCI),an agency working towards heritage conservation,to prepare the CCMP. While the Plan,which in itself cost the ASI over Rs 80 lakhs,was approved by the Supreme Court early last year,full-fledged work is yet to begin.

Problems of seepage
The World Heritage Site has been beset by seepage problems,leading to damp walls,leaking roofs and a weakening foundation.

After the British took over the Fort,the drains surrounding the Fort were blocked,which has resulted in capillary action and water stagnation at several points inside the heritage complex.

“We will soon start work on opening up the drains and ensure the rainwater flows into the moat surrounding the fort. The blocked drains have been a major cause of water seepage inside the monument,” K K Muhammed,superintending archaeologist,Delhi Circle,ASI,said.

“Due to seepage,the monument’s foundation and several significant structures like the Lahore Gate and Delhi Gate have been weakened. We will make these structures water-tight. Following that,we will also undertake a process of de-weeding,as weeds draw water and weaken the monuments. The first phase of work will be done over the next five months.”

removal of Structures
According to senior ASI officials,over the next two months incongruous structures in the Fort premises — over 100 of which have been listed in the CCMP — will be demolished. These structures are mostly toilet blocks,tin sheds and small modules constructed by the Army after its takeover of the Fort in 1947. “These structures were found to be incongruous in terms of the complex’s archaeological and heritage value and have been suggested for demolition. There are a few toilet blocks and garages that are an eyesore,” Gurmeet Rai,director,CRCI,said.

ASI officials said the demolition process will be an important exercise — after all these structures are removed the monument premises will be landscaped and redeveloped in an aesthetic manner. According to the CCMP,the complete project will take a period of around 10 years.

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