Heritage Alerts August 2009
The stand-off between the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and a section of the Muslim population in South Delhi's Mehrauli area continues. A week after a few Muslims offered prayers last Friday in three ASI-protected monuments in Mehrauli, policemen stopped a group of local Muslims from offering prayers at Jamali Kamali around noon today.
The prayers were finally offered on the busy Mehrauli- Gurgaon Road, creating a traffic bottleneck for over half an hour.
The Jamali Kamali mosque is listed by the Waqf Board as a mosque, but the ASI has listed it as a protected monument.
"This is not a monument - this is a mosque meant for offering prayers," said Abdul Hamid, 48, after offering his prayers on M-G Road. As of now, "it is our religious place listed in the Wakf Board properties".
The Wakf Board, incidentally, has also appointed an imam for the 'mosque'.
ASI contends the building is a protected monument and prayers cannot be allowed in it. "It will collapse soon if prayers are offered there because it is old," an ASI official based in Qutab Minar said. "We can't allow people to assemble in a monument."
A section of the local minority community began offering prayers in the Jamali Kamali 'mosque' four months ago - the number was meager at first but it began to swell slowly. "They bar us from praying in the mosque but boys and girls come here to engage in immoral acts. This place had become a den for drug addicts and drunks," Haji Rous Mohammad, the imam, said. "The Quran is engraved on the walls (of the structure) - they can't just call it a monument and let immoral activities take place here."
The issue since become a contentious one, with a section of people from the majority community saying such "land grabbing" cannot be allowed. Wakf Board chairman Matin Ahmad said the number of Muslims in Delhi is increasing and members from the community should not be barred from offering prayers. "These mosques with a historical value should have been thrown open only for prayers and not otherwise but you can't just lock them up," Ahmad said.
The police meanwhile said they would not let the situation turn communal.l.
UNWILLING to disturb the status quo, the government has refused to yield to the protest and decided not to change the rule of not allowing prayers inside ancient mosques which are ASI-protected by the Archaeological Survey of India is not allowed. But hundreds of people had gathered outside some ancient mosques in South Delhi, including the Qutub Minar, demanding that they be allowed to hold prayers. When they were prevented by the police from entering the monuments, they offered Friday prayers on road and shouted slogans against ASI officials. The Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs, which met here last night, is also learnt to have discussed the issue.
Lucknow: A ropeway for better access, a suspension bridge to sprint across the Yamuna, and an Agra eye like in London for an aerial view — the Agra Development Authority (ADA) is all set with a hi-tech blueprint to showcase the 17th century monument. But the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) doesn't agree and has opposed the plan, saying it would ruin the Mughal city's skyline.
Tanveer Zafar Ali, vice-chairperson of the ADA, told TOI on Saturday that work would commence only after procuring a no-objection certificate from the ASI and the Supreme Court. But he sees no hurdle in executing the project because construction is expected to start 800 feet away from the Taj and therefore, outside its protected 500-metre zone.
Superintendent archaeologist, Agra, AR Siddiqui said, ''We are clear and categorical that no such project will be allowed in the vicinity of the Taj Mahal. We need to follow clear-cut guidelines and rules in the matter.'' The S Varadarajan Committee appointed by the Supreme Court recommended that a heritage monument's setting should not be tampered with, he added.
The ADA is bullish about the project but it could go the way of Mayawati's 'Taj Corridor' dream, which was shattered by the Supreme Court. In her previous term as CM, she proposed a shopping centre and other facilities in the area between the Taj and Agra Fort in violation of heritage and environmental rules.
The ADA has already carried out preliminary studies and a survey by experts. The Usha Breco group, which has executed 26 such projects across the country, has approached the ADA with a proposal to build a ropeway. Ali said two ropeways are planned to improve the visitor experience.
Lucknow: Two ropeways are planned in Agra to improve the Taj-visitor experience. Tanveer Zafar Ali, vice-chairperson of the Agra Development Authority, said, ''The first will stretch from the back of Taj Mahal across Yamuna up to the Mehtab Bagh while the second ropeway will link Mehtab Bagh to Agra Fort.'' At both these points, the tourism department will ply battery operated buses to ferry visitors. This will save tourists the trouble of taking the long route via Strachy Bridge and at least one-and-a-half hours of travel time as the area is among the most congested in the city, the official said. The result could be a substantial rise in the number of visitors. Last year, 37 lakh tourists visited the Taj. However, only 14,000 among them went to Mehtab Bagh. Once the facility of cable cars is available, they won't have to skip other landmarks, Zafar hoped.
The ADA has already discussed the proposal of a suspension bridge with the DG ASI and the amicus curae for Taj affairs in Supreme Court, Krishna Mohan. The response, he said, is quite encouraging. The Agra Eye, meanwhile, is expected to be patterned on the London Eye, the tallest cantilevered observation wheel in the world which rises 135 metres above the London skyline.
However, local ASI officials, tasked with protection of India's most valuable tourist site, are far from excited. The project is bound to play havoc with the world famous Taj skyline, said an ASI official. ADA is undeterred by ASI's reluctance. ''The tourism sector needs a facelift. We are taking all necessary precaution by strictly sticking to all rules in the book. Construction will start only after the apex court and ASI both okay it. But neither will be opposed to the idea of keeping up with the changing times,'' the ADA V-C said.
- The Times of India, August 2, 2009
New Delhi: The Centre on Saturday underlined the fact that people will not be allowed to offer prayers at protected monuments even as the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) and worshippers continued on collision course over the issue.
Home minister P Chidambaram said that prayers will be allowed only in the 12 structures listed so far.
''We have made it very clear that such prayers in protected monuments will not be allowed,'' Chidambaram told reporters responding to ASI's stand not to allow Friday prayers at the Jamali Kamali mosque in Qutub Minar which led to protests.
The minister said the Centre had made this clear when such attempts were made and law was enforced on Friday. ''In the Jamali Kamali mosque, a protected monument, that (law) was enforced yesterday,'' Chidambaram said making an appeal to people not to violate the norm laid down as early as January 1981 by former PM Indira Gandhi.
He said there were 12 places of worship - five leading monuments and seven others where prayers have been offered on Fridays for a long time - where de facto prayers have been allowed. ''In those 12 places, de facto status quo is intact. But in no other protected monument prayers will be allowed to be offered,'' Chidambaram said. .
A group of people had on Friday tried to forcibly enter ASI-protected mosques in south Delhi to offer prayers but were prevented by the police.
- The Times of India, August 2, 2009
New Delhi: DDA's plans of converting the northern ridge to a biodiversity park have been shot down by the forest department. In a letter to the Authority, the department has said that the ridge is a notified forest where no construction activity can be allowed as such. DDA has only been given permission for ''enrichment plantation''.
Senior forest officials have said that while additional plantation in the ridge area is permissible, converting its status to a biodiversity park would entail some amount of concretization and movement of vehicles during the development stage. ''The ridge was notified as forest in 1955. We cannot dilute its status as that will leave the field open for lots of activity that cannot be permitted in a forest area. We will also be left without powers to deal with encroachments, etc,'' said an official.
Strangely, the notified forest has been mentioned as a regional park in the Master Plan-2021, based on which DDA had planned the Biodiversity Park. In 1994, the Authority had officially declared its intention for notifying the already notified area as forest. ''The northern ridge is already a notified forest and DDA cannot supercede the earlier notification by wanting to notify it yet again. Despite what the master plan says, the northern ridge is already protected,'' said forest officials.
DDA spokesperson Neemo Dhar, however, clarified that they had no intentions of carrying out any construction in the ridge area. ''We know the ridge is a forest area and we have already got the consent of the forest department for the project. In fact, the representative of the forest department is a member of the executive committee of the biodiversity foundation under whose guidance this is being planned. Secondly, the objective of these parks is to preserve the flora and fauna and biotic community which have become extinct due to increased urbansiation over a period of time,'' said Dhar.
The northern ridge, among all other ridge areas in the city, is important specially as it houses several heritage structures, including a flag staff tower, an Ashoka pillar, a 14th century baoli, a British era mutiny memorial and the Chauburja mosque. Compared to the rest of the ridge, this area is also relatively free of encroachments. DDA has been planning large scale plantation in the area and development of walkways that will serve as naturecum-heritage trails.
- The Times of India, August 2, 2009
To make visitors to the city feel welcome during the Commonwealth Games, India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) is set to train taxi and auto drivers, CISF personnel posted at monuments, dhaba owners, hotel staff etc. Participants will be taught basic English as well as courtesy and ways to communicate with tourists.
Delhi government sources admit that there is a shortage of trained guides in the city and with Commonwealth Games drawing close, the issue has to be addressed promptly. With hundreds of historical sites to visit and each monument boasting its own unique history, foreign nationals are often left to fend for themselves and depend on tourist books and brochures for information. Language is another problem. Quite a contrast to facilities offered in tourist sites in western countries, where trained guides — proficient in several languages—are easily available to aid visitors apart from group guided trips at regular intervals.
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) recently launched audioguide services in Qutub Minar in five languages and is in the process of introducing it in the other world heritage sites as well. Trained guides and guided tours apart, what is lacking, point out experts is that not a single monument or tourist place in the city has an interpretation centre where tourist can come and get all information pertaining to a particular site.
ASI is also in the process of bringing out more brochures and guides for foreign visitors in the city. Much of the plans are in the implementation stages but experts say they are crucial if the government wants to promote Delhi as 'a heritage city'. Various agencies like INTACH are also involved in the plans. ''Visitor management is one of our top priorities and we are making more plans for it,'' said an official.
Under ITDC's plans, etiquette training for the Games will also be provided to residents who offer rooms to foreigners under Delhi government's bed and breakfast scheme. Here, house owners will be briefed on how to be more tourist friendly. ''House owners will be given hospitality related training and a brief of Indian tourism scenario. Most visitors generally question their hosts on information about the city so they will be provided information on the golden triangle - Delhi, Agra and Jaipur as well as where tourists should go visiting in Delhi,'' said an official.
- The Times of India, August 3, 2009
New Delhi: It was supposed to be the first heritage route in the city which would help enhance its historical status. But Delhi government's much touted heritage corridor seems stuck in limbo. The project was envisioned for the Commonwealth Games, to allow visitors to get a feel of the city's architecture and history, but even three years after inception, senior officials admit actual implementation is yet to begin.
The plan was visualised by INTACH Delhi Chapter and an MoU with Delhi Tourism was signed in 2007. According to INTACH officials, the heritage route is very significant and is the first step towards getting Delhi declared a world heritage city. But while the idea is realistic, experts say a lot of ground work needs to be done and time is of essence now.
Problems like the involvement of multiple agencies like DDA, CPWD and MCD has led to delay in starting work. ''There are so many agencies involved in this project that coordination and implementation is a problem. While no agency has actually refused to start work, they all seem to be sitting on it,'' said INTACH convener AGK Menon.
Many protected structures like Sabz Burj, Khooni Darwaaza, Delhi Gate, Purana Qila, Ferozeshah Kotla are all on the route of the corridor. Other heritage buildings of significance like Matka Peer and some Daryaganj buildings will are also be enroute. ''We are in talks with all the agencies owning these buildings about conservation. The basic idea is to add value to the heritage structures on this route and give more face to the buildings,'' said an official.
''The area in front of Ferozeshah Kotla is supposed to be renovated by MCD, but four months have passed and not even the official contract has been signed. DDA is yet to start work at Coronation Park where the corridor will actually begin. For protected monuments like Purana Qila, we still require the requisite permission from ASI,'' added an INTACH official, listing the difficulties. However, additional projects like heritage tourist buses and nine walks on heritage routes planned by INTACH seem to be taking off. Museums and interpretation centres, all part of plans to boost Delhi's heritage tag, are set to be implemented.
INTACH officials added that no major construction work would take place in this route and focus would be on making signages, increasing public space, repairing pavements, setting up kiosks, ensure functioning of streetlights and better horticulture. Many monuments along the route will also be illuminated. A plan to carry visitors in clean-energy shuttle buses along a model heritage route is also being examined. Just as in many of the world's major cities, the buses would allow visitors to hop off along the way to see some of the capital's sights that are less well known, then hop back on to travel to the next spot.
Around 10 million visitors are expected to come to Delhi during the Games. The heritage route is to be developed with the help of a special grant from American Express and the World Monuments Fund. According to INTACH, the heritage corridor is just the starting of what it hopes will extend to other parts of the city as well. Eventually officials hope that the heritage route can be extended to far off sites like Tughlaqabad Fort and Sultangarhi's Tomb as well.
- The Times of India, August 3, 2009
New Delhi: The days are numbered and the work is not even half done. Delhi's caretaker of monuments — Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) - still has a long to go as far as restoring 46 selected heritage buildings in the city for the Commonwealth Games is concerned. Senior officials say 40% of the overall work scheduled for the Games is complete, and the rest would be completed before the Games deadline of 2010.
The Delhi government is very keen to showcase the capital's rich heritage to tourists expected to throng the city during the Games and has made several plans to that effect. World heritage sites Qutub Minar, Humayun's Tomb and Red Fort apart, ASI officials also want to promote less frequented monuments like Tughlaqabad Fort, Purana Qila, Safdarjung Tomb, Siri Fort wall and the Hauz Khas monuments.
On the cards is complete revamp of the selected sites including painting, facade restoration, garden development and minor repairs. ''Estimates have been prepared for all the sites except Ferozeshah Kotla and Red Fort which are under process. Some of the conservation work has been outsourced to INTACH like the Lodi Gardens monuments while Aga Khan Trust is handling some monuments in Nizamuddin. The conservation work has been divided in two phases,'' said an ASI official.
Tourist amenities are a major component of the projects. In some monuments, they will be constructed from scratch while sites like Qutub Minar and Purana Qila require massive upgradation. Benches, interpretation centres, toilets, parking facilities, garden development, audio-guide services are all parts of touristfriendly plans for monuments which are to be in place in coming months.
However, a lot of work is yet to fall into place. Parking facilities in the three world heritage sites is another area of concern. ''In Red Fort, we are yet to get possession of the new parking lot from CPWD. There are already existing parking lots at Qutub Minar and Humayun's Tomb, so we do not anticipate problems for visitors,'' said a senior official.
Another aspect is illumination for which 13 sites have been selected. Five monuments have already been lit, including Safdarjung Tomb. The monuments that were illuminated earlier were Purana Qila, Sher Shah Gate and Masjid and Subz Burj. Next in line are Feroze Shah Kotla, Khan-e-Khana tomb, Bara Khamba, Lal Darwaaza, Chhoti Gumti, Sikri Gumti, Biran-ka-Gumbad, Dadi Poti ka Gumbad and Najaf Khan's tomb. ASI officials said work has been divided among various agencies but uniformity is a must. ''The work is being monitored by us to ensure work is on schedule. For tourist information, we are coming out with a brochure which will contain data on all 46 sites that will be available in all the monuments. A website is also under development by Delhi Tourism,'' said a senior ASI official.
In a city which spans several dynasties, historians claim that each structure is a living testimony in itself. Bits and pieces from the Tughlaq, Lodi, Mughal dynasties and even the British rule can be seen all over the city. The Planning Commission has sanctioned a special fund of Rs 25 crore to Delhi's ASI circle for upliftment and conservation plans for identified structures within the city.
Delhi is home to 1,200 heritage buildings listed by INTACH Delhi Chapter out of which 173 have been listed protected by ASI. Three protected sites - Red Fort, Qutub Minar and Humayun's Tomb have been bestowed the world heritage status by Unesco and take top priority in terms of visitor management and overall maintenance. In recent years, however, ASI has also shifted attention to smaller structures in the city - many neglected - and hope to develop them as popular tourist destinations in time for the Games.
Approach road to monuments are also in for a facelift. Officials claim that beautiful buildings like Tughlaqabad Fort or Zafar Mahal lose out on visitors only because of their location where there are no parking facilities, no access route and encroachment is rampant. Then there are structures which people pass everyday without seeing them.
- The Times of India, August 3, 2009
Next time you visit one of Delhi's popular monuments, a red signboard will greet you at the entrance, inscribed with the architectural details and historical significance of the structure.
To educate tourists about Delhi's vast heritage, especially with the Commonwealth Games drawing closer, Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is in the process of installing signboards in red standstone at all 46 monuments selected for a facelift by the Games next year.
Often receiving complaints that not all of Delhi's monuments have proper signboards to serve as tourist information, ASI officials said the new signboards would act as guide maps for visitors. ''However, we want to ensure that there is complete uniformity and they should look identical,'' said ASI director-general K N Shrivastava. The work has been outsourced to some agencies, including INTACH Delhi Chapter, which is currently also working on restoring five ASI-protected tombs in Lodi Garden. Sources said there were three other agencies apart from INTACH working on the project.
The new signboards will replace all existing ones. ''Typically, red sandstone pattern looks elegant and is also long-lasting as we know from experience. They do not get damaged easily and many historical monuments are also made from red sandstone so it will gel well with the background,'' said a senior ASI official.
Some of the popular monuments that will sport these new cultural signboards are Tughlaqabad Fort, Qutub complex, Purana Qila, Siri Fort wall, Uggar Sain ki Baoli, Delhi Gate, Neela Gumbad, Ferozeshah Kotla, Khooni Darwaaza, Hauz Khas monuments etc.
For the benefit of the lakhs of tourists visiting Delhi during the Games, ASI has also finalised brochures containing details of the 46 selected monuments that will be made available at all protected monuments undergoing a facelift for the Games. These will be
given out to tourists for free and their basic objective will be to familiarise foreign visitors with Delhi's history. ''In addition, tourist guide books will also be available at ticketed monuments like Humayun's Tomb, Safdarjung Tomb or Red Fort for a nominal price,'' said an official.
These guide books will also be available at book stores, newspaper vendors, airport, ticket counters etc. Audio guide services for the benefit of foreign nationals are already in place at Qutub Minar and officials said they hoped to spread the service to other world heritage sites in coming months. The service is available in five foreign languages..
- Times of Indiaa, August 6, 2009
For the first time ever, Delhi is going to have a tree census. It will not just estimate how many trees the city — which takes pride on its greenery — has, but will also list their species and spatial distribution patterns.
This will help in quantifying the greening efforts during successive censuses, and also be an accurate indicator of climate change patterns that affect tree behaviour significantly. Delhi Parks and Gardens Society has already initiated the process of starting a tree census.
There are an estimated 250 species of trees in the city, but there has never been an official attempt to catalogue or count them. There have, however, been individual efforts to systematise knowledge about the trees of Delhi and to list their diversity. According to some of these accounts, many native trees have actually become extinct because of introduction of colonisers and also the changing climate.
Says S D Singh, chief executive officer of the recently formed society: ''Tree census is a mandatory requirement of the Delhi Tree Preservation Act. But such an initiative has never been taken on a citywide scale. There are, however, individual parks and gardens where trees have been counted and catalogued. We are compiling all such figures and will also look at the city as a whole. The census will give us an idea about the number of trees and whether it makes sense to plant more. It will also be an estimation of the resources at our disposal. Most importantly, it would be a very reliable indicator of climate change.''
The effect of climate on trees has essentially been the story of the greening of Delhi since the very beginning. Keen on avenues that will remain green all the year round, the British, after shifting the capital to Delhi in 1911, decided to exclude the regular avenue trees like mango and amaltas from its list just because they were deciduous. The otherwise meticulous planners that they were, they made the grave mistake of not understanding that trees are deciduous or evergreen depending on their habitat and not by nature.
Explaining the overwhelming role habitat plays on the nature of trees, Singh said: ''There are times when you see trees which usually spread wide, clustering together in one place - something which is apparently completely at odds with their usual behaviour. This often happens when too much concretisation has happened. There was far more rain earlier and the winter was longer and more bitter. This has meant that many trees could not adjust and died out,'' he said. The commonest trees of Delhi include ashok, neem, amaltas, jamun, semul, siris and gulmohur. But one tree which cannot be excluded in any discussion about the trees of Delhi is actually an import. The central American mesquite - locally called vilaiti keekar to distinguish it from the babool - has emerged as the principal occupant of the ridge because of its fierce colonising ability, killing off in the process many of the native trees like kala siris, kulu and salai..
There are an estimated 250 varieties of trees in Delhi but this is the first time an official effort is being made to count them
When the capital shifted to Delhi in 1911, British rulers wanted only evergreen trees in Delhi. 13 species were selected-Mango, amaltas and siris did not make the cut for being deciduous and neem made it because it is evergreen. But planners never realised that it is the climate which decides tree behaviour.
There are some stretches where particular species are more in number for example peach trees abound in Shanti Path, amaltas along Akbar Road and kamrakh in Shalimar Bagh.
The ridge, which is the original 'forest' of Delhi, has been virtually taken over by the vilayati keekar, a fierce colonizer.
Many of the native trees of the ridge have died out though some of them are still seen elsewhere in the city. These include kala siris, salai and kulu.
- Times of Indiaa, August 7, 2009
Delhi Jal Board in the collaboration with National Science Centre (NSC) will develop a water and waste water museum to educate children about water conservation and increasing pollution in the Yamuna.
The MoU of the project was signed on the occasion of public outreach campaign 'Aao Yamuna mein Jaan Daalein' of Yamuna Action Plan - II in the presence of Delhi Chief Minister and Chairperson of Delhi Jal Board (DJB) Sheila Dikshit on Thursday. Dikshit emphasized the need of water conversation and making Yamuna pollution free. "As soon as the message of water conservation and awareness about increasing level of pollution in the Yamuna will reach to the people, the change will start," Dikshit said. The CM also released posters, calendars, pamphlets and badges for the campaign. The museum will be set up in the premises of NSC at Pragati Maidan on over 200 sqm area with 30 items related to water conservation and pollution in the river Yamuna. The Centre receives an average footfall of 4.5 lakh per annum. "The children are the best medium to create awareness about water conservation, pollution and also for other movements," added the CM.
The cost of development of the museum will be bore by DJB and NSC will provide space and management. "The museum is being developed as part of YAP-II and will serve as a knowledge centre for education, awareness and entertainment of citizens particularly for children," said Ramesh Negi, the chief executive officer of DJB. The museum will have exhibits, interactive kiosks, touch screen equipments, graphic panels and display systems.
The DJB claimed that after commissioning of 30 MGD Sewage Treatment Plant at Okhla, 12 MGD STP at Keshopur, and rehabilitating of the 20 MGD and 40 MGD at Keshopur, it will be able to treat 100 per cent of sewerage coming from the legal sewers. The DJB has roped in six NGOs to carry the message of clean Yamuna to each and every citizen. According to a survey, Delhi contributes over 70 per cent of the river's pollutants.
- Pioneerr, August 7, 2009
After spending crores of rupees on cleansing the Yamuna passing through Delhi, the government on Thursday launched yet another programme of public awareness involving schoolchildren and NGOs. The idea, officials say, is to reach out to and involve the citizens of Delhi in the cleaning the Yamuna.
"For any mass awareness campaign to be successful, active public engagement and partnership is a must," Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit said at the launch of Aao Jamuna Mein Jaan Dalein (Let's save the Yamuna) programme.
The Delhi Jal Board also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the National Science Centre at Pragati Maidan for the development of a water and wastewater museum on the Centre's promise to sensitise visitors on the need for water conservation.
Spread over an area of 200 sq mtr, the museum will be set up on the premises of the NSC which attracts 4,50,000 visitors annually.
Delhi Jal Board CEO Ramesh Negi said that highlighting the initiatives of the DJB under the Yamuna Action Plan, YAP- I and YAP-II, the museum will serve as a knowledge centre for education, awareness and entertainment of citizens. Dikshit called upon the people of Delhi to feel responsible for cleaning the river and support government initiatives in doing the same.
While referring to the several steps and the crores of rupees spent by the government to clean the river in the past, Negi said: "Unless people change their habits, all efforts will remain futile." He stressed while it was the responsibility of the government to provide technical assistance and infrastructure, it was important for the people to contribute towards saving the river from disappearing.
While referring to the several steps and the crores of rupees spent by the government to clean the river in the past, Negi said: "Unless people change their habits, all efforts will remain futile." He stressed while it was the responsibility of the government to provide technical assistance and infrastructure, it was important for the people to contribute towards saving the river from disappearing.
"People must stop throwing waste and prayer items in the river," Negi said. As part of its outreach programme, the DJB has partnered with six NGOs from the six identified zones of Delhi. The recently-concluded survey by NGOs indicates the prevalence of a "not my problem" attitude in a substantial percentage of target groups across all categories.
Dwelling upon the findings of the survey, DJB spokesperson Sanjam Chima said: "More than 78 per cent of people living in unauthorised colonies and JJ clusters dump solid waste in the open. In 97 per cent of the cases, sewers or drains are blocked with garbage or plastic."
According to the survey, in Najafgarh alone, the availability of water through the pipelines is almost 100 per cent, whereas over 90 per cent of the population does not avail the sewerage connections. In the trans-Yamuna area, the figure stands at 52 per cent.
- Indian Expresss, August 7, 2009
Jaipur: A pair of Great Indian Bustard was sighted at the Tal Chappar sanctuary in Churu district earlier this month. This is the first time in the recent history that the endangered bird has been sighted in this sanctuary, otherwise known for its blackbucks.
''It's the first time in the past 30 years that a Great Indian Bustard pair has been witnessed at the Tal Chappar sanctuary. While the female bird was spotted on August 1, the male was spotted the next day. Even during the first bustard conference in 1981, no one had reported such an event,'' a forest department official said. The area where the bird was spotted has now been closed to tourists. ''We have enclosed the area and are keeping a watch on the birds. They are still there. These birds may have migrated to the sanctuary from Bikaner,'' the official added.
Although all the four species of bustards have been accorded the highest degree of protection by placing them in Schedule I of the Indian Wild Life (Protection) Act, their number continues to decline at an alarming rate. The Great Indian Bustard is currently found only in Rajasthan, MP, Gujarat, Maharastra and Andhra Pradesh.
In fact, rough estimates put the number of these birds at well below 300 in the country..
Efforts to save the bustard population started way back in 1980 after the first symposium was held in 1980. But nothing much emerged from the meeting. However, recently the state forest department has once again adopted a twopronged strategy to protect the bird. ''A conservation strategy is being adopted by the department for the protection of the bird. As per plans, the birds will be protected where they are found. We have prepared a recovery plan which we will be sending to the Centre for a review after which we shall seek funds,'' the official said. ''We've also prepared a plan for the captive breeding of the bird at a place near Jaisalmer and have sent it for approval to the Central Zoo Authority,'' he added.
- Times of Indiaa, August 8, 2009
The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) will restore a 1000-year –old Buddhist monastery in Ladakh. Conservation work at the monastery comprising mainly restoration of roofs above the temples has been started in May after an MoU was signed between the Lekir Monastery Management Committee and INTACH. The Buddhist monastery in Mangyu is among the earliest monasteries of the Ladakh region located at a distance of 70 km from Leh. It is believed that the great translator, Lotsava Rinchen Zangpo, founded this monastery during the same period as the Alchi Choskor, Sumda and Wanla temples between the 11th and the 12th centuries.
- Pioneerr, August 8, 2009
CHENNAI: Two beautiful sculptures of Jaina tirthankaras, which "disappeared" from Kolapakkam near Chennai about a month ago, have come back to the village, and thereby hangs a tale. The panchayat leaders have resolved to build a shrine for the sculptures.
The Hindu published a news item on February 12, 2006, about the discovery of two "Buddha sculptures" and ornamental pillars at Kolapakkam, near Ramavaram, about 20 km from Chennai. The artefacts were lying on a piece of land adjacent to a house. Several readers wrote to say they were not sculptures of the Buddha but those of Jaina tirthankaras, and a debate broke out. The presence of three umbrellas above the head of one tirthankara was a clear indication that he was a Jaina tirthankara and not a Buddha, some readers said. The tirthankaras were depicted in the dhyana (meditation) pose. There were fly-whisk bearers behind them.
About a month ago, the two sculptures disappeared. But they mysteriously returned to the village 10 days ago. They are now kept on the premises of the Vembuli Amman temple at Kolapakkam.
When a team from The Hindu visited Kolapakkam on Friday, Uma, living in the house adjacent to the plot where the sculptures were lying for decades, said four men came to the spot a month ago and carted them away in a van. When she confronted them, they replied that they had the "permission" to do so. The disappearance of the sculptures created a furore in the village, and dark rumours did the rounds on the possible role of an idol-lifting gang.
V. Paranthaman, vice-president of the Kolapakkam panchayat, and D. Revathy and K.P. Yesupadham, ward councillors, said the news item in The Hindu attracted the attention of officials of Shree Munisuwrat Swami Swetambar Jain Temple at Karambakkam in Porur, near Kolapakkam. They approached the panchayat leaders to give away the sculptures to the temple, where they could be installed and worshipped. For where they lay in the open ground, they were being desecrated. So Mr. Paranthaman said he agreed to give away the sculptures to the Jain temple. But the local people kicked up a row and made "politics" out of this decision, which he said was made in good faith for the maintenance of the sculptures. So he spoke to the Jain temple officials and they readily returned the sculptures.
Navrathanmull Jain, managing trustee of the Jain temple, said a female Jain monk, Chitra of the Digambara sect, after reading the news item, suggested that the sculptures be brought to the Karambakkam Jain temple. So he approached Mr. Paranthaman, who gave the sculptures to the temple. He returned them because the villagers wanted them back.
- Hinduu, August 9, 2009
It must have taken the Mughal kings more than two hours from the heart of the city to reach the 17th century Badal Ki Sarai, the first halt when they headed north. But circa 2009 on a Saturday, 20 heritage lovers reached the spot in less than half an hour from the Patel Chowk Metro station.
A two-minutes walk away from the Adarsh Nagar metro station, this was the first monument on the route of the '1857 Mutiny Walk' for places accessible by Delhi Metro. Conceived and conducted by conservationist Surekha Narain, the walk winds, literally, through Delhi's heritage.
"It was at Badal ki Sarai on June 8, 1857 that British troops defeated the rebel sepoys, which proved to be the turning point for the rulers after the Mutiny," said Narain.
Near the Vishwavidyalaya metro station is the Flagstaff Tower, situated on the highest point on the Northern Ridge and built in 1828.
The joy of the walkers at finding themselves immersed in history was palpable.
Clicking to her heart's content, 64 year-old Jamuna Rajan, accompanied by her husband M Rajan (70), said, "I will send these photos to my grandchildren residing in the US."
"We must thank the ASI for keeping these monuments open for us. And I must say, they have maintained the place in good condition," Narain said.
After covering the Chauburja Mosque—which once had four domes, out of which only one remains today—and the Pir Ghaib, a monument built in 1373 by Firoz Shah Tughlaq as a hunting lodge and an observatory, the group reached a 14th century baoli (stepwell) right next to the equally historic Hindu Rao Hospital. ASI is currently carrying out the conservation work for the baoli.
The rebuilt Hindu Rao Hospital was once the Maratha chawni (Maratha camp) which later became headquarters of a British regiment in 1857.
Last on the route was the Mutiny Memorial, erected in memory of British soldiers killed and missing during the 1857 battle. The Indian government put up a plaque in 1972 honouring those martyrs who rose against the British during the Mutiny.
The group then headed to the last stop—Pul Bangash metro station..
- Hindustan Times, August 10, 2009
A German national, a commercial pilot, a retired couple, an MNC executive. Everyday problems apart, this motley group shares a common concern — Delhi's heritage. And that concern saw them coming out on Saturday afternoon to walk along the paved paths of the Northern Ridge, retracing the footsteps of those who took part in the 1857 uprising. Successfully bridging the gap between history and modern technology, a heritage walk organised by conservationist Surekha Narain brought alive the 1857 mutiny for Delhiites as they followed the new Metro line to Jehangirpuri. Rather than using private vehicles or autorickshaws, the walkers used the Metro instead to move from one heritage monument to another, which were once considered inaccessible but were now just a few steps away from a Metro station.
''Everyone goes to Red Fort or Purana Qila, but it's these lesser known monuments in Delhi that showcase the real heritage of the capital. Very few people go to these monuments because of either ignorance or because they are considered inaccessible. But after realising that so many monuments are just walking distance from Metro stations, more people seem to be interested in visiting them,'' said Narain. The story of 1857 can be relived through this walk and most of the monuments are being renovated by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) for the Commonwealth Games next year..
M Rajan and his wife Jamna are frequent travellers ever since Rajan retired from UNICEF almost 10 years ago. The couple commute between Chennai and Delhi frequently. ''We appreciate history and like to travel a lot. Recently, we went to Ireland and saw many historic castles there,'' said Jamna. For German national Katharina Von Maltzan, who has been in India for three months, this was a unique opportunity to see more of the city that is to be her home for the next few years. Nivedita Bhasin, a pilot with Air India added: ''I have been to the popular tourist spots but there are so many unknown historical sites that I wanted to learn more about.''
Both heritage sites are under central protection by the ASI. There are contrary opinions about Pir Ghaib which is described as a hunting lodge or even an observatory. The Tughlaq-period baoli, just a few steps away from the ghaib is not accessible. Historians say there exists a passage inside the baoli that is directly connected to the baoli in Red Fort. Evidence of the same is yet to be unearthed.
The baoli is covered with deep vegetation. According to officials, the baoli is under renovation and will be made more accessible by the times the Games begins. At present, from a distance, it appears to be just a hole in the ground.
- Times City, The Times of India, August 10, 2009
New Delhi: Visitors coming to two World Heritage Sites — Qutub Minar and Red Fort — will be in for a pleasant surprise soon. Encroachments in front of both are being removed.
While an unauthorised shop in front of the main entrance of Qutub Minar was razed on Tuesday afternoon, MCD has started shifting all vendors and kiosks from in front of the main boundary wall of Red Fort to a new location.
According to senior MCD officials, there are 14 vendors and four kiosks in front of the main Red Fort boundary wall. ASI officials wrote to MCD on July 16 asking them to remove these structures as they not only obstructed the front view of the Mughal citadel but was also coming in way of their conservation plans for Red Fort.
Deputy Commissioner (City Zone) Vijay Singh said: ''We started removing the vendors on Tuesday and will relocate them in a day or two. The four kiosks, however, will be removed only after August 15 as they are concrete structures and will need to be demolished.'' The monument and surrounding areas like Lala Lajpat Rai market will be sealed from August 13. Any unfinished work will be resumed only after that.
For Qutub Minar, MCD razed a small shop selling camera rolls and cold drinks which was located right in front of the main entrance. According to officials, the shop not only blocked the way to the entrance partially but was also affecting traffic movement especially vehicles coming from Mehrauli-Gurgaon road. It was in violation of ASI guidelines too.
Sources said that the shop had been in front of Qutub for several years and there was even a court case about it where the verdict was in favour of ASI. ''We had written to MCD several times that this shop was unauthorized. Finally, they cancelled the shop's licence three months back and demolished the shop on Tuesday afternoon,'' said an ASI official.
- Times of Indiaa, August 12, 2009
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) on Tuesday got rid of an unauthorized kiosk, an eyesore bang in front of Qutb Minar.
The Kiosk-falling within the prohibited area (100 metres) of heritage monument-operated in front of the main entrance of Qutb Minar complex for several years, allegedly with political support, sources said. It sold bottled water, photo film, chocolates, biscuits and snacks.
Till four years ago, there were many such small shops in the vicinity. Barring the kiosk dismantled by the MCD with heavy police presence, the rest had been removed earlier.
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has been pressing MCD to remove all encroachments around Qutb Minar.
ASI Delhi Circle chief K. K. Muhammed said: "With great difficulty, MCD officials have been able to remove the encroachment with the help of police."
But with the kiosk gone, tourists would face problems as a similar authorized kiosk near the ticket window across the road is yet to start functioning....
- Hindustan Times, August 12, 2009
Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit today directed not to cut trees indiscriminately for executing development projects as this would create ecological imbalance. The Delhi Jal Board (DJB) would provide 2.5 lakh plants for Commonwealth Games in 2010, she claimed.
Dikshit said it was essential to preserve ecological balance and inculcate awareness of environment conservation among people, especially children.
Speaking after planting a sapling at Haiderpur water treatment plant, she stated that tree plantation had been a priority of her government and in this endeavour, nine new city forests were being created at various places in the Capital. Twenty-five thousand saplings would be planted in the water treatment plants, sewage treatment plants and residential complexes of the DJB.
- Tribune, August 12, 2009
The temperature was hovering below zero and the wind chill factor made it even colder. The sun was once again playing truant as we drove down a verdantly fringed winding road, back to Kathgodam after a holiday in Ranikhet. The sight of the huge, still lake in a bowl ringed by mountains caught our eye. Particularly as the water was amazingly clear and unfrozen.
"This is the famous Bhimtal," our driver Harish informed us. "There are as nine taals (lakes) around this area." And he proceeded to recite their names for our benefit – Bhimtal, Naukuchiyatal, Sat Tal (with seven lakes).
This was news for us, as we ignorantly thought Nainital was the only 'taal' in the vicinity. That revelation, plus the lure of the serene lake impelled us to change our plans. It would have been criminal to come this close and not visit the three lakes...
"Let's begin from the farthest end and work our way towards the main road," suggested Harish rubbing his hands gleefully. Throughout the journey, he had been suggesting that we extend our vacation by two more days. We finally agreed to his suggestion!
As our car began climbing up a steep, narrow road that seemed almost to disappear within the houses at the bends, we held tight to the sides of the lurching vehicle and opened our eyes wide to take in the lovely panorama. Garrulous Harish was anything but a careful driver and gesticulated excitedly as the landmarks appeared before us even as the car veered wildly.
We were on the way to the Naukuchiyatal – the lake with nine corners, perched at a height of 1,219 m, some 26 km from Nainital. A towering statue of Hanuman stared down at us with amused eyes as Harish took a hair pin bend on what seemed like two wheels, and then sat on the brakes.
I climbed out of the car, my head spinning and my senses reeling. "This is the Mata Vaishno Devi Temple," he deckared grandiosely. Making our obeisance to the Mata, we made our way to the nine cornered lake.
The first view made us draw a sharp breath. It was stunning. Not a soul was in sight as we drew up to the bank and the lake glimmered from behind a veil of mist. Most tourists visit the hills only during the sultry summer days, and the dozens of colourful boats bobbing forlornly and makeshift counters advertising eatables implied holiday crowds.
"Can you see all the nine corners of the lake in one glance? asked the indefatigable Harish. He seemed relieved when we shook our heads sadly as we hadn't been able to see more than a couple of them.
"Good, very good," he muttered, "If you see all of them at one glance, you will die very soon." Seeing the look of alarm on our faces, he quickly added,"That is what the locals say, of course..."
The hills around resounded with the twitter of birds and looking up we sighted a pair of unusually coloured ones. We realized, regrettably, that none of us had remembered to pack a pair of binoculars.
It was a place we could have dawdled around forever, but other lakes beckoned. And there was harrying Harish to consider! Making a note to return at leisure, we made our way to Bhimtal, some 4 km away.
This is the lake that none other than Bhim of Mahabharata fame had dug with bare hands to provide water for the morning ablutions for his brothers during their brief sojourn in these mountains. So goes the legend, according to Harish, that is.
Now things have improved, some would say: a minuscule island in the middle of the lake has a restaurant. Just perfect for us modern Indians to catch our collective breaths after the dizzying ride we made to the fabled lake.
It proved to be a wise decision for seated in the restaurant we are rewarded by a view that was worth millions. This time we were in no hurry to get on with our itinerary because to do so would mean losing out on the beautiful experience of the place.
But barely had we begun to enjoy the view that the ubiquitous Harish rushed in and dragged us out — this time to point out a beautiful cottage teetering on the verge of the mountain before us. 'That's Preity Zinta's house,' he told us and commanded us to take a picture of him with the cottage in the background. We were perplexed: the filmstar has a property at Bhimtal? "No, no! You don't understand," said a clearly annoyed Harish, "Haven't you seen the movie 'Koi Mil Gaya'?"
As we pondered at the connection, he explained, "Parts of the movie were shot around Bhimtal and that cottage was Preity's house in the film!" Chastened by his Bollywood tidbits we dutifully clicked pictures of the cottage and and got into the car for the inevitably dizzying ride to the next Tal.
It wasn't a single lake this time but a clutch of seven 'taals' known as Sat Tal, at an altitude of 1,370 m. We drove through thick oak and pine tree forests scented with crisp smells. Greedily inhaling the pure air, we wound our way down to the lakes.
Harish pointed out the first one through the thick foliage. "That is Nal–Damayanti," and (naturally) narrated the story of the legendary pair. Then came Sukha Tal, which is dry, followed by Panna, Sita, Ram, and Lakshman Tal.
Together they formed the seven lakes that go under the banner of Sat Tal. Sitting by the lakeside, on the green grass amid the pine forest, I finally found just the setting to explore myself. Never mind that across the lake stood an Uttarakhand Tourism Board signpost declaring –We Have Everything but the Sea.
GETTING THERE: The nearest railhead is Kathgodam, which is about 25 km from Bhimtal. From there to Naukuchiyatal is just 4 km and Sat Tal is a 7 km drive through beautiful hilly landscape. From Delhi it is a 300 km drive to Bhimtal.
STAYING THERE: Pitch your tent in the forest for the real experience but on a more practical note, Naukuchiyatal or Sat Tal are better options! At Naukuchiyatal, the Déjà vu is a good option as is the Tourist Rest House run by Kumaon Mandal Vikas Samiti (KMVN). Sat Tal has camping resorts amid the poplars besides the KMVN Tourist Rest House, just opposite the lake.
- Economic Times, August 13, 2009
New Delhi: The Delhi government's department of archaeology has notified 13 more historical buildings in the city for protection. This is the second list of unprotected monuments to be notified by the state government, taking the total number of state-protected monuments to 33. The government is planning to bring a total of 92 unprotected structures under its umbrella in the coming months to showcase them during the Commonwealth Games.
Earlier, the state department of archaeology had just six monuments under its protection including the northern, southern and central gateways of Badarpur and three kos minars. According to heritage experts, this number was appalling considering there were over 1,200 heritage buildings listed in the capital and just 173 were protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). It took the government 15 years after the first notification to wake up and bring more buildings under its purview.
The structures identified for protection are Haji Langa's Tomb, RK Puram; Domed building, RK Puram Sector IV; Tomb of Shaikh Ziyauddin, Kalu Sarai near Azad Apartment; Tomb (Gumti), Humayunpur Village; Baradari Mosque, Sadhna Enclave; Tomb, Sadhna Enclave; Munda Gumbad, district Park Hauz Khas; Tomb of Shaikh Usman Saiyah, Khirki Village; Tomb, Greater Kailash I; Tomb of Sheikh Salahuddin Darwesh, Sheikh Sarai Village and two other unidentified tombs in Sheikh Sarai Village as well as Majilis Khana, Sheikh Sarai.
According to an agreement with INTACH Delhi Chapter, these monuments will now be conserved and then each will boast an official board declaring its protected status. ''Increasing awareness about heritage is very critical. We want to showcase as many heritage structures, apart from the better known and popular monuments, for visitors. We will also utilise the space around the monuments situated at strategic locations for purposes like illumination," said a senior official for the state department of archaeology.
Senior officials that the list of 92 monuments has been prepared as per their size, significance and location. Among the latest to be notified, the 14 century tomb of Shaikh Usman Saiyah in the heart of Khirki Village often loses out to its more famous neighbour - Khirki Masjid. Experts said there was a threat of demolition to this building owing to new structures all around it. Shaikh Usman Saiyah was a contemporary of Roshan Chiragh in Delhi.
Another Tughlaq-period structure is Haji Langa's tomb in R K Puram which has shown signs of serious deterioration in recent years.
- Times of India, August 14, 2009
Shedding their chalta hai tag, Delhiites are finally showing concern for the capitals rich heritage. Incensed at the dilapidated state of a Mughal period structure and mindless digging around it, a citizens group filed an RTI plea to expose the silent collusion between two government agencies the MCD and ASI.
Hurt by the massive destruction caused by heavy digging near Tripolia Gateways, an 18th century protected monument in north Delhi, the residents welfare association (RWA) of Maharana Pratap Bagh filed an RTI plea with the two bodies. And immediately it triggered a blame game.
While the Archaeological Survey of India admitted that it has not given permission to MCD for digging for a stormwater drainage system so close to Tripolia, the civic body maintains that the drainage work was demanded by the ASI. It goes on to say that it does not require an NOC for the digging. However, the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958, clearly states that no construction work or digging is allowed within 100 metres of a protected monument. In the case of Tripolia Gateways, a 25-foot deep pit has been dug up less than five feet from the structure.
The drain is being constructed without permission from ASI and we fail to understand how this was allowed in the first place. Not only has the drainage work damaged the foundation of the Tripolia Gateways monument, it has also affected water supply to our colonies, said RWA president Saurabh Gandhi.
And the anger is not only about the digging work. Residents are also appalled at the monumental neglect. Heavy vehicles causing damage to the surface of the arched openings and locals dirtying the area are some of the concerns ASI has never addressed, allege residents. Thats why we have filed another RTI plea to find out exactly how much work ASI has done to conserve the structure in the past five years and how much money was spent on it. Estimates are often drawn but we have not seen any repair work in the last few years, said Anil Chandi, general secretary of the RWA.
On August 12, the RWA received a reply to its RTI query from ASI where the monument caretaker said that Tripolia Gateways was under close scrutiny and a notice had been sent to MCD on May 29 this year, asking them to stop the digging work. The reply also said that various letters had been written to the traffic police to divert traffic from the gateway so they could carry out essential repairs.
Amid allegations of gross negligence, ASI and MCD are busy passing the buck to each other. An MCD spokesperson said that the agency had received a request from ASI to lower the level of road under the Gateways to ensure vehicles carrying goods do not damage the monuments arched openings. It was accordingly decided to bring down the level of road by 1.5 metres and necessitated certain structural changes. MCD was also required to lay down box stormwater drain in the vicinity, ensuring proper synchronization with the reduced road level, said a senior MCD official.
Admitting that they had asked MCD to lower the road level around Tripolia, senior ASI officials said that they did not give the civic body permission for any digging in the vicinity of Tripolia. An official said: Any kind of work around the protected monument should have been done in consultation with us but this did not happen. We will now assess the damage done to the foundation and take appropriate action if required. When asked why ASI ignored the issue for almost three months now, the official said: Being a government department, we cant just lodge an FIR against a civic agency. But now we will take up the issue with them at the earliest. We need the cooperation from a number of agencies, including PWD and traffic police. We have written letters for this also..
Built in 1728 AD by Nasir Mahaldar Khan, son of emperor Shahjahan, Tripolia Gateways the only three-arched gateway in the city is situated in the middle of Grand Trunk Road in north Delhi Historians say almost 5-7 feet of this monument appears to have sunk below ground level with the passage of time The two facing gateways have three arched openings and are covered by flat domes The road connecting Subzi Mandi with the present Delhi-Karnal road was a saraicalled Gul-ki-Sarai built in Mughal times The gateways, once used by Mughal kings to mark their routes, are made purely of brick and sandstone layers.
- Times of India, August 17, 2009
To save a bird, its nest will now be sold. In an unusual conservation strategy, the National Board of Wildlife (NBWL) has delisted the Edible Nest Swiftlet, a cave-nesting bird found in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, from the Wildlife Protection Act (WPA).
Reason: local communities..
Reason: local communities which poached the bird's nests — used in the famous bird's nest soup, a delicacy in Chinese cuisine and thought to be an aphrodisiac — are now being roped in to harvest the nests commercially.
This, argues the NBWL, will help to sustain both the communities and the Edible Nest Swiftlet itself.
The controlled sale of nests, which are made by the saliva of the Swiftlet, could only have been possible if the bird, accorded highest protection under Schedule One of the WPA, was delisted from the act. At a meeting of the NBWL Standing Commitee chaired by Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh last month, the bird was delisted for three years. The proposal had been pending with the NBWL for three years.
"Conservation strategies need to be flexible. One way of protecting this bird is to allow commercial harvesting of its nest. This means that poaching of the bird's nest, which leads to the death of fledglings, will stop. This is also a strategy of protecting the bird," said Asad Rahmani, an ornithologist and NBWL member.
The forest department of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands will create artificial nesting enclosures for the Edible Nest Swiftlet. Members of the local community — the 'poachers' themselves — are being recruited to guard the nests at two major sites on the islands.
of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands will create artificial nesting enclosures for the Edible Nest Swiftlet. Members of the local community — the 'poachers' themselves — are being recruited to guard the nests at two major sites on the islands. The nests fetch around Rs 1 lakh for a kilogram in the international market, Paul said. There are over 1,000 breeding pairs in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The bird is found across South East Asia.
The Edible Nest Swiftlet nests only in caves. A different harvest strategy is to place the eggs of the Edible Nest Swiftlet in the nests of a related bird, the Glossy Swiflet, which nests in lit areas. This would encourage adult birds to nest in artificial enclosures.
"We have already fostered around 30 Edible Nest Swiftlet birds whose nests had been destroyed, in the nests of Glossy Swiftlets. The experiment has been successful, and may mean that the adult Edible Nest birds will begin nesting in these areas. We may continue with this strategy to encourage in-situ breeding of the Edible Nest Swiftlet," said Paul.
- Indian Express, August 18, 2009
The Aliopore jail, A prison with a rich heritage. Such luminaries as Chakravarthy Rajagopalachari (Rajaji), S Nijalingappa, Kamaraj Nadar, Bejawada Gopala Reddy, Prof N G Ranga, Potti Sriramulu, Bulusu Samamurthy, T V Subbashetty, G Lacchanna, O A Alagesan and other freedom fighters served their terms here.
Even as these greats served their terms it was a time when they decided the future course of the freedom struggle. Today, the prison cells that they occupied lie vacant and a dark brooding silence prevails.
Some of the structures in the jail have crumbled. Some others have been renovated and occupied by the government. The Government Medical College (VIMS), and the Leprosy Hospital function out of the prison. It is almost impossible to believe today that such notable personalities stayed here at one point in time.
During the British ruke, Bellary was part of the Madras Presidency. Bellary was the administrative capital of four districts back then, including Bellary, Ananthapur, Cudapah and Kurnool. A plan was chalked out in 1866 towards construction of a prison. But, the project was shifted to Vellore. Later, in 1905, the district jail was upgraded into a central jail.
In effect, the Alipore central jail started working from 1921. The army barracks adjoining the jail were also converted into prison cells.
The jail could hold 2, 500 people, but eventually as many as 4, 000 prisoners were crammed in, both common criminals and political prisoners put together.
It is said that Anglo-Turk war criminals were also housed in this jail. Some of the Turkish prisoners who died while serving sentences here, were even buried in Bellery. Among the memorials of those Turks who died here is the tombstone of a Turkish prince Abdul Salaah Aghabasha.
The Alipore jail was closed in 1958. then, it was converted into a Government Collegeby the state government. The prisoners' barracks were soon converted into residence for doctors of the Medical College. The Leprosy Hospital here was built to take care of ailing prisoners.
- Deccan Herald, August 18, 2009
Noting that the Delhi Government was facing difficulties in protecting the Ridge due to multiplicity of authority, Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit on Tuesday emphasized the need for a unified approach in dealing with the situation.
Speaking at the National Conference of Environment and Forest Ministers of States here, Ms. Dikshit underlined the need for having dedicated staff for enforcement of the Environment Protection Act, 1986, so that the provisions could be enforced properly..
The Chief Minister said her aim was to make Delhi one of the greenest Capitals of the world: "The Delhi Government is keen to expand the green cover from the existing 20 per cent to 30 per cent. Already the green area has increased from 36 sq. km. in 1998 to over 300 sq. km. now.";;;
Lauding the role of the Eco-Task Force in greening the Ridge area in Bhatti Mines, the Chief Minister said while this appeared to be an impossible task, the Force had made it possible.
"The protection of the Ridge area is a challenge in itself. It requires a unified approach as different agencies have been working without any coordination resulting in lukewarm response. The Delhi Government has decided to construct a high wall around the Ridge right from Pusa Road to Dhaula Kuan to overcome the problem of encroachment and accumulation of debris," she said.
Stating that the design of the wall had been prepared by the New Delhi Municipal Council, she said, it was uniform all over. The Chief Minister also informed that nine new city forests would be developed in this financial year and with this the total number of such forests would go up to 41 in 2010.....
Ms. Dikshit also sought a special dedicated staff to ensure implementation of the Environment Protection Act, 1986, since at present the basic enforcing agency -- the Delhi police -- has to be requested every time to make staff available for the work.
As for the Yamuna, she said, the river covers a distance of 22 km from Wazirabad Barrage to Okhla Barrage in Delhi and cleaning it was essential for reviving the Capital's glory. Stating that the water quality of the river was being monitored at nine locations by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee along with the Central Pollution Control Board, she said the work for laying of interceptors had been awarded to Engineers India Ltd. which has submitted a project report and is likely to take up the work from October this year.
- Hinduu, August 19, 2009
New Delhi: In its bid to protect its forests and keep a check on illegal mining and non-forest activities, Haryana is all set to make use of geographical information system (GIS). Environment and forest minister Kiran Chaudhry claimed that the government was developing the technology to map forest boundaries, identify damages in Aravalli and Shivalik hills.
Raising the issue of how excessive mining in Aravalis has damaged the environment at the states' forest ministers summit in the national capital, she mooted the idea of setting up of a national level committee to monitor adverse impact of mining on environment. ''Such a committee will specify the role of mining, forest, environment and law enforcing departments,'' she added.
The minister also claimed that the state has been successful in mapping 85 villages on Aravalli region to prevent illegal mining.
The state is also working out a plan to use the global positioning systems (GPS) for mapping areas affected by forest fires and to assess the success and extent of plantations in the state. ''Satellite imageries to monitor changes in forest and tree cover in the state are proposed to be used,'' an official release said.
Forest department officials said that though the Gurgaon range recently got several maps prepared using satellite imagery, it was an expensive exercise involving approximately Rs 40 lakh. ''Now, we are dependent on ground reports from guards, officials and locals. But the influential violators manage to hide the truth. Once we have satellite imageries, every single violation will come on record,'' said a senior forest official.
- Times of Indiaa, August 19, 2009
Will Help Civic Body Keep Tabs On Public Utilities
New Delhi: New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has completed GIS mapping of its entire area to effectively provide tourist information along with information on who all have paid property tax and if any household is carrying out unauthorized construction, etc.
The 3D-GIS mapping will also be used to keep tabs on public utility services like roads, streetlights, sanctioning of building plans, etc by simply zooming in on a particular area.
It will even be used to enhance the green cover as information on species of trees planted, their lifespan etc will also be made available using the system. Each tree or potted plant will be numbered by the civic body and if a tree is uprooted during a storm, NDMC will be able to act immediately and take remedial measures.
''A 3D-satellite imagery of the NDMC area has been taken on a GIS platform. When we zoom out, tourist information will be provided, but as we begin to zoom in, we will get information about the green areas in a colony, about status of sanctioning of building plans of properties, unauthorised construction — cameras will also be installed for this purpose — and whether a particular property has paid property tax or not etc,'' said an NDMC official. This will also help the civic body in increasing its property tax collections.
The L-G's office has been given a presentation of the functioning of the 3D-GIS system. NDMC has been working on this project since the last two years and the entire project is expected to be completed in six month's time.
The GIS system will be used for improving various civic services provided by NDMC by mapping every pipeline, electricity line etc in the area. Said an NDMC official: ''If there is a power failure, NDMC will be able to identify the problem immediately using the system. Moreover, we will be able to get the information on when a road was made, the last time it was repaired, the contractor who carried out the job and the cost of the entire process. A general survey is being conducted to gather such information on all our public utility services. The present cost incurred by us is Rs 50 lakh.''
NDMC is planning to make the 3D-GIS system partly accessible to the public so that complaints registered by people will also be shown on the system with red and green lights (red signifying complaints that need to be looked into and green showing those complaints that have been addressed). The civic body has appointed a consultant for this project.
''By the end of this project, we will get information on every asset such as sub-stations, transformers, signages, manholes, trees etc owned by us. We will be able to do better asset management,'' added the official.
- Times of India, August 19, 2009
The Rajasthan High Court has ordered closure of all commercial activities at the historic Amber Fort here in view of its status as a protected monument since 1968 and declared illegal renovation work assigned to the Amber Development and Management Authority (ADMA) during the previous BJP regime in the State.
A Division Bench of the Court, while admitting a suo motu public interest litigation for hearing, also issued a show-cause notice to the Union Tourism Secretary with the observation that Rs.30.61 crore had been provided by the Centre for renovation, restoration and protection of the fort built by the erstwhile Kachhawa Rajput rulers.
The Bench, comprising Justice Ashok Parihar and Justice G.S. Saraf, passed the interim orders while admitting the case registered by the Court itself when a portion of the protected Amber Fort wall collapsed during the shooting of a Salman Khan starrer, Veer, on February 13 this year. The Court had appointed a lawyer, Abhinav Sharma, as "friend of the people" who visited the fort and submitted his report.
The Court said counsel's report clearly showed that damage had been caused to the fort and palace "under the pretext of conservation and renovation". It held that ADMA was illegally assigned the task which was to be carried out by the Director Archaeology or an officer not below the rank of Collector with the issue of a specific notification in this regard..
The ADMA – registered as a society by the then Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 – was given the responsibility to manage the entire fort and take up renovation work as well as granting of licences for commercial activities on the premises.
The Bench observed that the State Government had abdicated its functions by "illegally delegating" its specific powers to the ADMA: "A bare reading of the constitution of the society would show that it is in no way in consonance with the Advisory Board for protected monuments under the law." Taking note of the fact that Rs.30.61 crore had been released by the Centre for the renovation work at the fort, the Court sought an explanation from the Union Tourism Secretary through the show-cause notice.
The Court, however, directed the State Government to allow small vendors to sell the items for worship at a temple situated inside the fort as well as water and cold drinks on the premises.
- Hindu, August 20, 2009
A lot has been said and written about lakes going dry in the Aravali region of Haryana. Going a step further to highlight this environmental degradation, a filmmaker has captured the vanishing lakes of Aravalis in an 18-minute documentary, recording how the centuries old water bodies have gone stone-dry due to extensive mining and other activities on the forest land.
The film, produced by Ishani K Dutta, a former media research associate with the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), has been selected for screening at CMS Vatavaran, known as India's green Oscars, and also at Red Earth Monsoon festival in the capital (on Friday). She added that locals of the mining areas, particularly young ones, have asked them to screen the movie in their villages since they feel concerned of the depletion in ground water table due to mining.
''We used to visit Surajkund and Badkhal lakes as children for boating. After the media reported about lakes going dry, we visited the sites and were shocked at the sight,'' said Dutta. Initially, she thought of doing a 5-minute film, but she kept on shooting.
''We got material for a one-hour story. We captured everything — from mining to constructions in catchment area. We sent a copy to ministry of environment and forest (MoEF) and Haryana government with the hope that they might wake up. Nobody got back,'' Dutta said.
- Times of India, August 21, 2009
Imagine Delhi's very own Fashion Street, on an avenue leading from Lodhi Colony to India Habitat Centre. Or a heritage walk through the monuments of Mehrauli and Hauz Khas. Flea markets that will be a tourist's delight and the best of Indian art, not in the galleries, but out on the streets for all to admire. If all goes according to plan, Delhi government will create 15 active cultural zones in the capital to bring alive the variety the city has to offer during the fortnight that will mark the 2010 Commonwealth Games.
Anywhere between 80,000 and 1,00,000 visitors are expected to descend on the capital during the Games slated for October next year. Adding to the crowd will be around 10,000 players, coordinators and officers who will make the capital their home between October 3 and October 15, 2010.
To bring alive the culture of the capital, Delhi government is now busy exploring ways of presenting the city to the visitors. It proposes to divide Delhi into active cultural zones. Each zone will be profiled in a unique manner highlighting heritage, greens, games venues and tourist spots.
The 15 cultural zones across the city will include North Campus, the stretch from Chandni Chowk to Red Fort and Fatehpuri Masjid, Connaught Place, Lodhi Garden to Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Hauz Khas, Siri Fort, Mehrauli, Shanti Path, the area between Delhi Secretariat and Old Yamuna Bridge, Ridge Road, Delhi Cantonment and Punjabi Bagh. A zone around Akshardham and India Gate is also proposed.
The location of the Games venues, places of historical importance, locations of tourist interest, availability of ample open space for setting up installations, proximity to existing and upcoming Metro stations and area of maximum movement envisaged during the Games are some of factors being taken into consideration while drawing up the cultural zones.
The common uniting factors that will make each zone culturally appealing would include performing arts shows, food courts, flea markets, exhibitions and art installations. The cultural zones will be presented in the form of active street life.
For instance, Delhi Secretariat to Yamuna Bridge is being considered as one contiguous cultural zone. The various components which make it eligible for the profile include the presence of the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, Yamuna Velodrome, Ambedkar Stadium, Gandhi Darshan, the ghats, a portion of the Red Fort and the old bridge in the vicinity.
The green avenues between Lodhi Garden and Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium is being projected as another zone showcasing the Safdarjung Tomb, Lodhi Gardens, the urban architectural delights that are India Habitat Centre and India International Centre and the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium which will host the opening and closing ceremonies. A temporary Fashion Street may be a part of the cultural theme. An interesting zone being considered that may put West Delhi on the cultural map for the first time is likely to stretch from Shivaji Place to Punjabi Bagh Club. Moving beyond the posh south and heritage loaded Central Delhi, this zone is being seen as an attempt to project the variety in the capital. This zone includes important malls and cineplexes, the Chattrapati Shivaji Park and Shivaji Place..
Delhi enjoys a very active cultural life which mirrors the rich and varied cultural heritage of India. It is not difficult to find performing arts troupes representing every nook and corner of India. This rich heritage of Delhi will be actively promoted during the Games
Participating Countries: 79
Expected no. of officials, players 8,000-10,000
Expected no. of visitors 80,000-100,000
- The Times of India, Times City, August 24, 2009
Two critically endangered trees of Kerala will be pulled back from the brink of extinction if efforts to reintroduce them in the wild fructify.
Karanjali (Dipterocarpus bourdillonii) and Adimundan (Humboldtia bourdillonii) are endemic to the Western Ghats.
If the reintroduction is successful, their saplings will grow in protected areas and the trees will be re-categorised in the Red Data Book of the IUCN. Now, they are on the critically endangered list.
Scientists of the Kerala Forest Research Institute, Peechi, Thrissur, are making the effort under a species recovery programme.
Nearly 1,300 Adimundan trees grow in the wild, in patches of inaccessible terrains of the Periyar Tiger Reserve. The total area will add up to 2 sq.km.
Worse is the case of Karanjali, with just 180 trees found near the Triveni Sangamam in Sabarimala and Urulanthanny, near Pooyamkutty, says K. Swarupanandan, project coordinator. They are found within 100 metres from the courses of rivers. Earlier, they were used for making plywood and human intervention proved costly, Dr. Swarupanandan says.
One of the major reasons for the limited number of Karanjali is the lack of mature fertile embryos in the fruits, says E.P. Indira, scientist at the institute. The live embryos fail to mature owing to inherent reproductive barriers, such as self-incompatibility. Only 3 per cent of the seeds grow to saplings.
The trees grow to a height of 40 to 45 metres with straight trunks. The researchers have succeeded in generating 400 seedlings. The translocation will begin once 1,000 saplings are ready, scientists say.
The team of researchers working on the project includes E.M. Muralidharan and R.C. Pandalai of the institute.
The institute plans to take up species recovery programmes for more critically endangered species, says K.V. Sankaran, Director. A few research proposals have been submitted for approval.
Ideally, the trees should be translocated in a protected area where the risk from human intervention is minimal. Areas with sufficient canopy openings will be best suited. Karanjali saplings will have to be planted within 100 metres from rivulets, Dr. Sankaran says.
Researchers plan to evaluate the post-translocation survival and growth of the planted stocks..
- Hinduu, August 25, 2009
When it comes to a facelift for Old Delhi, the young could well show the way. Class XI students of 15 schools from across the city are at present working on their vision for redeveloping Chandni Chowk.
Finding solutions to problems like congestion in the Walled City, the teenagers have proposed underground parking, solar-powered trams, centralised eating areas, ducting of service lines, conversion of havelis into hotels as the way forward. All this while retaining Chandni Chowk's old-world charm.
The 15 schools participating in the Future Cities India 2020 competition have been shortlisted on the basis of an essay written on redevelopment of Chandni Chowk. The students will now make a 3D concept model and the final presentation will be made in January 2010.
Last year's winners — students of Manava Bharati India International School, Panchsheel Park — said they wanted to deal with congestion by providing a separate area for hawkers. Said participant Harsewak Singh: ''Our plan will entail a separate eating area so people can land up at one place to enjoy all the delicacies of Old Delhi. We also suggested trams and environment-friendly buses.''
Each team comprises four students and one teacher. Apeejay School Pitampura wants to solve the haphazard growth of Walled City by dividing it into four zones, each catering to different needs — markets, hotels, trading and residential areas. Said Nehrika Singh: ''Our decongestion plans do not allow private vehicles in commercial areas, proposes solar-powered trams, ducting of service lines and tongas with tour guides to show people around.''
Many of the students have never visited Chandni Chowk but plan to do so soon to get a feel of the place. They have been provided with facts and figures as design criterias for
the competition. They have to come up with a list of three activities for social and recreational land use as provided in Master Plan-2021.
Kanika Magan from Apeejay School, Noida, said their plan would ensure better infrastructure while giving due importance to heritage. ''As far as heritage goes, our plan proposes converting havelis into hotels and the Town Hall into a library," she said.
Emphasizing on green buildings in Chandni Chowk were schools like Navy Children School, Chankyapuri and DAV School, Gurgaon. Said Dr Kavita Chauhan, a teacher at Navy Children School: ''Solar panels can be put to use in chowk areas so that the area is self-sufficient in power.'' The competition has been organised by the department of science and technology and Bentley Systems..
The Walled City was designed originally to accommodate around 60,000 inhabitants. The population now is 4.5 lakh
The total workforce accessing the Walled City daily is about 4 lakh
Around 20% of the wholesale trade in Delhi functions from the area, accounting for 12% of employment
City bus service and Metro are the main means of transportation to the area and provides access to more than 1.5 lakh people
The problems
Inadequate infrastructure
Haphazard growth of Walled City
Congestion due to encroachments, unauthorised construction and plying of rickshaws, illegal hawking etc
Crumbling heritage structures
Inability of civic agencies to move wholesale markets out of Walled City
- The Times of India, Times City, August 27, 2009
The historic rail-cum-road bridge across the Yamuna connecting central and northeast Delhi is in a state of disrepair. Cracks have appeared in the foundation and tin sheds that form the roof of the iron bridge are falling apart. Moreover, a long iron plank on the pedestrian way has gone missing, forcing people to scale railings and walk on the road. Even the railings of the walkway are broken at several places...
Sources said even as the bridge, built in 1868 by the East India Railways after scaling down a historic bridge of the Mughal era, lies in a deplorable condition, railways and MCD are passing the buck on the issue of maintenance. Northern Railways PRO Anand Swarup told Times City: ''The railway tracks and main structure of the bridge are maintained by us, but as per the agreement, maintenance of the road below is the responsibility of MCD.'' However, MCD officials could not be contacted for comment.
Railways had termed the bridge dangerous and advised traffic police to stop movement of vehicles on the lower deck of the bridge. But since there is no alternative route, vehicles are still allowed.
As one drives onto the narrow bridge, vehicles are greeted with potholes. The road, sources say, was last relayed in 2002 and since then no one has bothered to repair it despite the fact that traffic volume is heavy.
Towards the middle of the bridge, the foundation is becoming loose and may give away any day. ''When we drive on that stretch, there is a loud sound of steel plates on both sides hitting against each other. They are supposed to be joined and the road laid on it,'' said Mohammed Omar, a resident of Seelampur.
When trains pass through the top deck, water drips onto vehicles and pedestrians moving on the lower deck.
The joints have become loose and when trains move, the bridge vibrates a lot and this has loosened the wirings of the streetlights. And after sunset the bridge becomes dark and unsafe.
Traffic police say since the bridge is narrow and is in a bad condition, traffic snarls are a regular affair. The road which connects Shastri Park across the Yamuna and Ring Road, at the rear of Salimgarh Fort, is much shorter for residents of northeast Delhi to get to the heart of the city. Even after the new Geeta Colony bridge across the Yamuna has opened for traffic, this remains to be a preferred route as the bridge is witness to jams.
There was a plan to shift the railway tracks on a new bridge, for which construction started in 2006. But the plan, added Swarup, got stalled due to land acquisition problems as the alignment of the tracks runs into the protected territory of Salimgarh Fort complex.
- Times of India, Times City, August 28, 2009
