The Mehrauli Archaeological Park houses over 1,000 years of the Capital's history. But lack of co-ordination between agencies, and the growing threat of vandalism ensures that park lies in neglect today
Located close to the Qutub Minar, the Mehrauli Archaeological Park is one of the most important historical sites in the city today. In a recent report, the South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) has named 127 monuments in the park as heritage monuments, of which six structures have been declared as centrally protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and 17 declared as heritage monuments of state importance by the State Archaeological Department.
Such heritage, say officials, ensures the park has the ability to be a world class heritage park. Unfortunately, the park remains largely forgotten by people in the Capital.
"The Mehrauli Archaeological Park has the potential to be a really world class urban heritage park. If the various stakeholders can work together, it is a great opportunity to show how the preservation of natural and built heritage can contribute to sustainable development in an urban setting by providing valuable recreational green space and adding to the tourist potential of the city," says Swapna Liddle, Convenor, INTACH.
The other problem is that of vandalism. Liddle points out that INTACH had been raising this issue for years with the concerned authorities with little result. As a result, INTACH filed a PIL in 2015 after which the High Court has directed DDA, the owner of the park, to take appropriate steps to fence the entire area and prevent it from encroachments.
In their directive, the court said: "The Court is of the opinion that a comprehensive management plan should be prepared for the improvement and management of the park. The management plan would contain essential elements such as the identification of officials from all the concerned agencies such as ASI, DDA, SDMC, Delhi Waqf Board, Government of NCT of Delhi, Delhi Police, Delhi Jal Board as well as the petitioner/INTACH.
"The Delhi Police shall ensure that no further encroachment is made. It shall also ensure that at the time of fencing, especially in the western side, appropriate photographs are taken to mark the extent of encroachment so that if the need arises in future, necessary action can be taken."
It is crucial that action is taken so that the park retains its glory and preserves its past, as it has over 1,000 years of history housed within it. Almost all the dynasties that have ruled Delhi from the Khilji, Tughlaq, Lodhi and Mughal dynasty to the British Raj are represented here.
From the Lal Kot wall built by Anang Pal Tomar in the mid-11th century, to British-era structures of the 19th century, it is the most important area in the history of the Capital. It has to be maintained and preserved before it is too late.
Fast Facts
Mehrauli Park
127 monuments
1,000 years of history covered
6 ASI protected
17 heritage monuments of state
Problems
Lack of co-ordination
between agencies
Vandalism of monuments
Trash around the monuments
& Analysis
It is a mistake to ask the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) or civic agencies to preserve heritage sites. The Delhi Archaeology needs to look after all the monuments.
Heritage walks to the monuments need to start alerting people about the problems faced and possible solutions. Delhi has no shortage of experts and volunteers are eager to do their bit. Agencies should get them involved.
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
 "Mehrauli-Archaeological-Park")
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}