Heritage Alerts May 2009
While constructing the Yamuna Bank station on the river bed, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation had taken into account all environmental concerns.
According to DMRC, the Central Water and Power Research Station, Pune, conducted a study and the Yamuna Standing Committee gave clearance after which construction was undertaken in the area. The DMRC was given permission to carry out construction in the area by the committee on the condition that its work will not obstruct the flow of the river.
To ensure this, DMRC constructed a 600 m long and 3.5 m high guide bund. The water way has been provided 600 m towards the left side. In addition, 2500 trees have been planted and 295 were transplanted in the depot area. Another 1, 000 trees are being planted, said the DMRC.
However, activist of the Jamuna Jiye Abhiyan were present at the new station on Sunday to protest against encroachment on the river floodplain. The activists have been fighting for a along time now to keep the floodplains free from construction.
In a letter to the DMRC Managining Directir, E. Sreedharan, they said the new Yamuna Bankdepot is located within 300 m of the river violation of the Delhi High Court order. "While on one hand all slum clusters were removed from the riverbed keeping in mind the High Court order, on the other the DMRC has been allowed to construct on the floodplains", the letter said.
A rail was organized by Yamuna Jiye Abhiyan activists in Sunday from Satyagrah Sthal that culminated at the Yamuna Bank station, where a memorandum of protest from local farmers and activists was handed over to the DMRC authorities.
- Hindu, May 11, 2009
With the terror threats a reality in the city, Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is planning to bring in CSIF to protect world heritage sites. With these monuments attracting many foreign tourists, top officials say there is urgent need for better protection. At present, only Red Fort and Taj Mahal have CISF cover in the country.
There are 27 world heritage properties in India out of which 22 are cultural and five are natural properties. The capital has three world heritage sites including Red Fort, Qutb Minar and Humayun's Tomb. Said a senior official: " Foreign visitors are high on the target list of terrorists and most world heritage sites get a high number of foreign tourists. It is becoming increasingly important to guard these high profile places better".
Red Fort was given CISF cover in 2000 after the shootout and Taj Mahal got it after a Supreme Court order in 2002. According to sources, there are 180 CISF personnel guarding the Taj Mahal and about 300 the Red Fort. Experts say other monuments should be extended similar security protection. "Qutb Minar gets the maximum number of visitors in the city while Humayun's Tomb attracts a large number of foreigners. These sites are still vulnerable and security needs to be strengthened," said a source.
Over 10, 000 people visit Qutb Minar Daily while Humayun's Tomb attracts the maximum foreign visitors. "Security of monuments has come under special focus in the aftermath of terrorists striking iconic Taj Mahal Hotel and world heritage site of Chatrapati Shivaji Station in Mumbai last year," said a senior official. However, funding for CISF personnel could pose a problem.
- The Times of India, May 11, 2009
NEW DELHI: After a delay of well over an year, the New Delhi Municipal Council is finally going ahead with façade restoration of Connaught Place by beginning renovation work in Block A and Block E of the Inner Circle. It roped in two contractors this past month to fast-track the work under the overall project for re-development of Connaught Place.
The restoration work in these blocks would be undertaken on the same lines as that in C Block which was completed on a pilot basis by the civic body last year and subsequently approved by the Delhi Urban Art Commission after suggesting certain modifications. The C Block restoration was the first step of the "Re-development of Connaught Place" plan touted by the civic body as its dream project to be completed before the Commonwealth Games in October 2010.
Though originally the entire project was to be completed before the start of the Games, given the longstanding delay the civic body has now reworked the project deadline and will complete the façade restoration of Connaught Place just before the Games. The remaining elements of the project including building of underground service ducts, provisioning of centralised air-conditioning system, revamping of engineering services and construction of underground parking spaces and a new traffic circulation plan have now been relegated to the backburner to be taken up only after completion of the Games. An NDMC official said: "We have no time left to take up the remaining works that involve large-scale digging in Inner Circle and Outer Circle. If left incomplete, the digging would look like an eyesore rather than showcase the best of Connaught Place."
"Our aim now is just to complete the façade restoration in both the Inner Circle and Outer Circle within a year. Apart from Block A and E we would soon be starting work on Blocks D and F and subsequently the remaining blocks simultaneously," he said. The nature of façade restoration work undertaken in these blocks will include replacement of existing windows and frames, plaster and painting in addition to restoration of columns, walls, jaalis to the original shape. The civic body also plans to have uniform flooring and corridor lighting and façade illumination. Instead of having granite flooring as in C Block, the rest of the blocks would be provided sandstone flooring taking into account the Urban Art Commission recommendations.
Another major feature of the restoration work would be disciplining of shops' signboards to a uniform size and restoring the "Old CP" look to three iconic buildings characteristic of Connaught Place -- Madras Hotel, Scindia House and Regal Building.
While the work will be implemented by project consultant Engineers India Limited on behalf of the civic body, the NDMC would be focusing on monitoring the execution. The entire project of over Rs.600 crore is being jointly funded by the civic body, the Delhi Government and the Union Urban Development Ministry.
- The Hindu, May 12, 2009
Around 207 monuments in City Zone were on the list sent by Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to Delhi government for their notification in 2001. After the Lal Mahal fiasco, MCD commissioned a survey of these buildings in January to determine their present status. The survey has drawn a grim picture: around 10% of these buildings are in a poor condition while the rest have been graded as fair, good and very good. But the message is clear: in the absence of any concern for this priceless heritage, our past is being wiped out.
Intach's Delhi convenor AGK Menon says ''there is some issue over who will notify the heritage list compiled by MCD and NDMC. Many of these unprotected monuments have been encroached upon and are fast disappearing.'' At least 12 monuments on this list have been since then demolished, according to conservationists.
Times City takes a look at nine that have been rated 'poor' in terms of preservation and need immediate attention.
The gateway, built in the early Mughal period, was known as Haveli Nawab Hauz Muzaffar Khan Ka Darwaza. In 1970, it came to be known as Telion Ka Phatak as the gateway leads to the houses of telis or oil merchants.
The lower storey is used for residential and commercial purposes, says the MCD report, while the top portion of the gate has been encroached upon. Sarvari, the occupant of this section, claims to be living there for over 60 years. She said: ''My in-laws used to live here from before. We have built rooms to stay in and even pay rent.'' The structure is in a deplorable condition. It seems to be falling apart.
Nawab Iradatmand Khan was a nobleman and general of emperor Muhammad Shah. The graves belong to the later Mughal period - 1774. Both the graves, in marble, are well-ornamented and elegantly engraved.
MCD's survey report makes no remarks on the state of the graves and their enclosure except for saying that the state of preservation is poor. The cemented enclosure is used as a dumping ground and garbage is strewn all around. The gate to the graves is also locked. Ismail, a resident of Rodgran, Lal Kuan, where the monument is located, said: ''We look after the structure ourselves and have not allowed MCD to interfere. But if it were to improve the state of the surroundings, we would allow them to do so.''
Built in the late 19th century, the building has a high central hall flanked by rooms on the sides. There is a semi-octagonal turret in the north-west corner. Mezzanines have altered the original character of the building and there are encroachments all around.
The building's condition has been described as very dangerous. However, officials point out, it is still being used. ''The office within the structure is still functional. There is a provident fund office in front of it and other departments functioning inside,'' pointed out one of them.
Popularly known as Majid-I-Khari Baoli, the mosque is of rare architectural quality and is among the few surviving Suri-period (1540-1550 AD) buildings in Shahjahanabad. The one-bay-deep prayer chambers are divided into three large-domed chambers. There is a large court with a hauz (tank).
This mosque comes under the Waqf Board and people have built rooms around it. The structure is encroached upon from all sides and the courtyard is in a shambles. Jamal, one of the occupants of the mosque, claimed: ''Our family has been looking after the structure for years now.''
Dating back to 1930s, this is a courtyardtype residential unit with colonial features. The double-storeyed building is constructed around a courtyard and has a two-sided opening to the street.
The MCD survey states the structure is in a poor condition and could even prove to be dangerous. Some workers who now live inside the building claim to be carrying out repair work. According to them, no school functions out of the building anymore. Rubble is lying all around the structure and it seems it will collapse any moment.
The mosque was built near a grave dated AD 1821. The grave is probably of a spiritual guide of Mihr Ali. A steep staircase leads to the first floor where there is a large courtyard. At the western end of this is the two-bay-deep mosque. The roof of the inner bay has partially collapsed. The MCD report says some cracks were found on the wall. You will find shops as soon as you enter the arched gateway. Shopkeepers say they've been functioning from here for over 60 years and this was never the orignal gateway to the mosque.
The single-bay gateway has a single arch. The gateway has a shop on each side and is built in lakhori brick. The gateway is hidden by wires and boards and is hardly visible. The locals don't have any idea of its heritage value. Rana, who sells vegetables here, said: ''Construction is taking place next to it and in a matter of time the gateway will be wiped out. Who is there to save it?''
This well of the pre-Mughal period was built of red sandstone and has given the area its name. The well is now covered. While the MCD claims a tinshed has been put over the well, this reporter found a priest has made a hutment over it. An idol has been installed near the structure and the well is completely hidden now. Only a board put up by Intach indicates its existence. Said a resident of the area: ''The priest has been residing here for years. People use the area for worshipping.''
Constructed in 1910, the threestoreyed building has much decorative work on the facade. The first floor terrace is supported by iron columns and marked by circular plasters. The building is privately owned and has shops on the ground floor. The first floor also houses a commercial establishment. According to Chandni Chowk residents, the building is slowly losing its heritage look because of the commercial use.
Municipal Corporation of Delhi says 207 monuments in city zone are part of the notified list sent to Delhi govt in 2001.
The civic body had submitted a list of 775 monuments, which included Lal Mahal to the Delhi government. As per the civic body's survey, around 10% of these shortlisted monuments are in a poor state. Experts say that in reality, even the monuments that have been rated very good, good or fair like Gateway of Zinat Mahal, Namak Haram Ki Haveli and Tomb of Razia Sultan are in a very bad shape The survey was sanctioned by MCD to a private company about 4 months back and the state of preservation has been assessed visually. The survey, MCD has admitted, is very vague.
- Times of India, May 14, 2009
KOCHI: The White-rumped Vulture and Indian Vulture in Kerala are facing the "extremely high risk of extinction in the wild," according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. The two species are among the 14 critically endangered birds of India, according to the list.
The Red List of birds was prepared by BirdLife International for the IUCN. The researchers have listed 192 bird species globally as critically endangered ones.
The Nilgiri Laughingthrush has been classified as endangered, as it faces a very high risk of extinction in the wild. Eleven bird species, including the Nilgiri Wood-pigeon, Yellow-throated Bulbul, Broad-tailed Grassbird and White-bellied Shortwing, are in the vulnerable category.
Species are assigned to categories using criteria with quantitative thresholds for population size, population trend, range size and other parameters, according to the IUCN. In the Near Threatened category, there are 17 bird varieties like Oriental Darter, Spot-billed Pelican, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Great Hornbill and Nilgiri Flycatcher.
"The status of the Kerala birds remains unchanged when compared to the previous year. This could be considered as a positive sign regarding the protection they are receiving," said P.O. Nameer, Conservation Breeding Specialist Group of the Species Survival Commission of the IUCN. At the same time, renowned ornithologist R. Sugathan felt that the classifications need to be validated based on regular monitoring of bird population.
Woodcock, a direct migrant from the Himalayas to the high-altitude Shola forests of the Western Ghats, has not been classified though its population has been affected. It is also the case with Hair-crested Drongo, he said.
Important Bird Areas need to be identified and a permanent monitoring system of the bird population should be in place rather than relying on random studies, Dr. Sugathan suggested.
"As the threatened varieties are found in protected areas, they get adequate protection. But the wetland-dependent birds mostly remain unprotected," said Dr. Nameer.
The IUCN has recommended the removal of the veterinary drug diclofenac from the supply chain in the Indian subcontinent and South-East Asia for preventing the catastrophic declines of several vulture species.
In Asia, the wetland conservation efforts, including the protection of key tidal wetland, should be continued for the benefit of varieties like the endangered Spoon-billed Sandpiper and Chinese-crested Tern, the IUCN has suggested.
- Hindu, May 16, 2009
NEW DELHI: After having been mired in controversies and legal battles, the much delayed project for facade restoration of the Capital's Gole Market seems finally set to take off with the New Delhi Municipal Council deciding to table the proposal to award the tender contract at its meeting this Friday.
Apart from facade restoration of the market, which is one of Delhi's oldest landmarks, the other elements included in the project are installation of signboards and street furniture, rehabilitation of structure services, interior restoration and upgrading of the surrounding structure.
One of Delhi's oldest surviving colonial markets, Gole Market is a circular structure that marks the critical crossing of an important axis on Lutyens' plan and is in proximity to the historic Bangla Sahib Gurdwara on one side and Lakshmi Narayan Temple on the other. It also serves as a subsidiary market to the prime business centre of Connaught Place.
Elaborating on the special status of Gole Market, a civic body official said: "Gole Market provides a tangible link between the past and the present giving a continuous cultural identity to the city. The market is architecturally significant and being a part of the city's heritage it needs a plan for its conservation and restoration to its former glory as it will be visible to people visiting the market especially during the Commonwealth Games."
However, far from its old glory the market in its present form is bogged down under several problems which primarily include an unstable structure making it a security hazard.
As a senior NDMC official put it: "Being in constant use as a bustling market, Gole Market has been subjected to a range of issues arising from overuse, division of spaces and introduction of services, partitions and signboards typical of buildings being actively used for commercial use. Resultantly much of the original fabric has been obliterated or entirely transformed leading to a decline in the architectural aesthete as well as historic authenticity of the building."
"The Gole Market and its surrounding building and structures have survived the hazards of time and face issues such as encroachments, water seepage, ad hoc and insensitive additions, deterioration of plaster and the timber roofing system," he added.
The project cost which was initially estimated at about Rs. 6.31 crore has now escalated to about Rs.8.53 crore following the delay during which project tenders were called five times. The deadline for implementation of the project has been set at 58 weeks after the final award of tenders.
Explaining the delay, a civic body official said: "At first there was a lot of confusion over changing the use of the market building by turning it into a museum. Later there was a legal issue involved with shopkeepers of the market taking the NDMC to court as they were not assured of being provided alternative sites to run their shops while the restoration work was under way. Some of the court cases are still pending."
- Hindu, May 21, 2009
The BHC will develop and maintain a registry of heritage sites in the metropolitan region, to be known as the Bengaluru Heritage Commission (BHC). This was decided at a special session of ABIDe held here (Bangalore) on Tuesday. The focus of the session was not the usual infrastructure, transportation or traffic issues, but to chalk out an action plan for preservation of heritage and historical structures of the city under the ambitious 'Plan Bengaluru 2020' vision document-'Bringing Back a Bengaluru of Kempegowda's Dream'.
The establishment of the BHC is one among the many recommendations and increased awareness on the importance of historical buildings/ structures in the City that was released at the special session of ABIDe.
It is authored by Sanjay Sridhar and Ashwim Mahesh. Prof. Ashwin Mahesh from the IIM (B), co-author of the booklet said, "The BHC aims at protection and preservation of cultural, structural, natural heritage that includes man-made and natural lakes of the City. These include identifying and suggesting heritage as per the BHR. We are hopeful that the recommendations as it did in the ABIDe transpiration initiative viz BIG 10 and Kendra Sarige buses. It would be submitted to the Government in the first week of June".
The action plan further suggests that the commission will oversee heritage conservation efforts for all locations in the Bangalore Metropolitian Region (BMR), that are not within the jurisdiction of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) or the Karnataka Archaeology Department.
ABIDe will first host the plan on its website and seek public consultations, after which it is to be sent to the State Cabinet for approval. The heritage booklet also suggests establishment of a 'Museum of Bengaluru' in the premises of Mayo Hall, in addition to a creation of Bengaluru Heritage Register that would include an exhaustive compilation of the heritage of the City.
This register will be maintained and updated every three years to reflect the evolving character of the City. The idea behind the initiative is to facilitate protection of heritage explained Prof Mahesh.
DH News Service.
Many people with disabilities who came to see the Taj Mahal could only gaze at it from the entrance. Not any more.
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), custodian of the 17th century monument to love, has now built ramps leading into the mausoleum so that the differently able can have a closer view.
Nine ramps of different sizes and lengths have been built, the longest being 48 feet. Around 40 wheelchairs have also been made available.
According to Javed Pervesh, an ASI official, around 30 physically challenged tourists come to see the Taj on a daily average. "We are planning to advertise the new avatar of the Taj and we are sure that the new Taj Mahal is all the more attractive (for the ramps)," he said.
The initiative to make the Taj disabled friendly started in September last year. Pervesh said foreign tourist with disabilities who come to visit the Taj bring their own motorized wheelchair and move around freely without assistance. "But that is not the case with most domestic tourists. We have seen many such tourists who feel disappointed at not being able to have a closer look. Some even cry. Seeing all this, we took the decision to make the Taj disable-friendly".
Activists working for the welfare of the physically challenged lauded the ASI's initiative. "It is rarely that we get to see such gestures. We appreciate this, "said Javed Abidi who has headed several campaigns for the disabled and is now spearheading campaigns to make Parliament disabled friendly.
Many heritage monuments and tourists spots across the world-like the Coliseum (Rome) and Disneyland (California)-are already disabled friendly.
- Telegraph, May 28, 2009
The 80 year-old sandstone lamppost near Rashtrapati Bhawan that collapsed in a squall recently will be restored soon.
The sandstone structure, bilt in 1929, was part of the city planning by British architect Edwin Landseer Lutyens.
"We suspect some conduit or corrosion inside the structure led to its collapse", says D.S. Sachdev, director general, Central Public Works Department (CPWD). The department maintains these heritage structures, especially in the VIP areas. The lamppost at Vijay Path, close to the presidential palace, was individually crafted by Indian artisans on the designs given by Lutyens.
"the two pillars are part of Lutyens' desgn of New Delhi. The fountain, benches, lamps are all part of the street furniture he envisioned. The pillar that has collapsed can be reconstructed as the original designs of the structure are available with the CPWD, "says Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) convener A.G. K. Menon.
- Tribune, May 31, 2009
