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ASI grounds Govt. move

By Sujay Mehdudia

NEW DELHI AUG. 9. The Delhi Government's Archaeological Department has been forced to abandon its ambitious project to involve NGOs, corporate and private sector players for repair and maintenance of monuments in the Capital following objections raised by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

Insiders in the Delhi Government told The Hindu the plan to involve these groups in the upkeep and repair of monuments has been grounded as the ASI has strongly opposed any such move which it feels could lead to anarchy. The ASI, in its communication to the Archaeological Department, has made it clear that heritage and historical monuments are of national importance and they cannot be handed over to the private sector or NGOs. They pointed out that restoration of the monuments and their preservation was a delicate job which could only be handled by trained experts and not by an NGO or the private sector players.

The proposal to hand over some monuments to private sector for preservation and maintenance was mooted after it was noted that many of important heritage and historic landmarks and buildings were facing neglect due to resource crunch. Similarly, as the Archaeological Department has a limited workforce and resources, it was decided to enlist the support of private sector players and NGOs. It was decided the companies which come forward to take over a monument would be allowed a certain place in and around the monument to display its name and product. But with ASI raising strong objections, this proposal will never see the light of the day.

On the other objection by ASI, the Delhi Government has stuck to its contention that keeping in mind the density of population in Delhi, the provision of no building coming up within 100 meters of a monument should be reduced to 50 meters. It has argued that while this rule could be applied to national monuments, the same should not be applied in case of monuments which are denotified and of not much significance. Also, keeping in mind the increased congestion and shrinking space, the distance of 50 meters was adequate and should be adhered to.

On the other hand, the Archaeological Department has decided to take up the restoration and preservation of five monuments in the Capital every year. This would be in addition to the already 20 monuments which it is already looking after. The list if further being expanded and the Department has listed the Mutiny Memorial on the Northern Ridge, Maqbara Park near GTK Depot, Dara Shikoh Library Building at Kashmere Gate, Turakman Gate, Baradari at Sadhana Enclave, Lodi Tomb near Lodi Road flyover, Zail at Bawana and Lodi period tomb at Katwari Sarai and Qudasia Garden library and Queen's Palace.

Officials said more than 1,300 historical monuments of different periods are spread throughout the length and breadth of Delhi. At present, only 20 monuments are under maintenance of the Department which was an insignificant number.

There is also a move to not only computerise all the documentation but also put the entire Archaeological records into digital format.

The Department is also planning to launch its own website which would not only give information about the monuments under it but also the various other activities including archives, names of prominent artists and sculptors of Delhi. The format of the website is being worked out and is expected to be put in place shortly.

Also in order to arouse consciousness among the citizens of Delhi about the rich cultural heritage of the city, the Department is planning to undertake several awareness programmes including organising of exhibitions and launching mass awareness campaigns.

Appeals would be made to the citizens to safeguard the monuments from vandalism and maintain them for posterity.

In case of any citizen who comes across any vandalism or misuse of monuments, they can write to the Department for taking legal action against the culprits.

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