Preservation of Chandni Chowk was taken up years ago, but no progress has been made as yet
As one crosses the old havelis in the narrow, dingy lanes of Old Delhi, one can feel sorry for the sad state of heritage monuments in the city. Of the 1,300 heritage structures in the National Capital, only approximately 700 now exist, and of these only 174 are protected by the Archaeological Survey of India.
In a recent protest against crumbling state of heritage, Union Minister Vijay Goel took out a march against the AAP-led city government and BJP-led North Municipal Corporation, in the Chandni Chowk area to highlight the 'sorry state of built heritage'. He accused authorities of 'apathetic' behaviour.
"Old Delhi and Chandni Chowk, in particular, has been home to beautiful havelis and the syncretic culture ('ganga jamuni tehzeeb') of India. But, look at the condition of it today. Havelis in Sitaram Bazar and Kucha Pati Ram gullies being torn down to make new structures. And, the filth in the area," Goel said.
DNA has been active in highlighting the dilapidated condition of some of these monuments. While there are some structures, which once existed, have completely disappeared due to lack of care and support. For instance, Khari Baoli in the same lanes this walled city called Shahajahanabad (now known as Chandni Chowk).
"Foreign tourists come here a lot, but there is so much disorder. Electric wires hang in the streets from poles, and filth is found strewn in the lanes and open areas of markets. Both the Delhi government and NDMC (North Delhi Municipal Corporation) are apathetic to the situation of heritage buildings," the minister alleged. Goel, a senior BJP leader, also reiterated his demand, seeking action from the Delhi government and the Shahjahanabad Redevelopment Corporation (SRDC) to save the havelis and "prevent the area from illegal construction".
In the previous survey of Delhi government, 551 havelis were listed. Many of these havelis are now being "destroyed" and converted into markets, he alleged.
SRDC is a special purpose vehicle set up in 2008, with members from various agencies, with the main objective to promote the preservation of built and natural heritage in Delhi.
Preservation of Chandni Chowk area had been taken up under the SRDC plan years ago, but no progress has been made as yet. Goel said this walk was "not a political thing" but for a "much large cause" of heritage preservation, and sought people's support.
VOICES
As young architects, during our college days, we used to go to Chandni Chowk to study the rich heritage and architecture there. But now many of those buildings do not exist. This is sad as I would have loved to show my children what once was there.
— Manan Arora, Architect
We are a Nation with the world's richest heritage and it is a shame that we cannot take care of it and letting it go to ruins. Most of it is getting neglected and some of it is being converted to unplanned buildings, which is even worse.
— Awantika Mishra, Heritage lover
Encroachments and illegal occupation have ruined the architectural wonders that barely exist in Delhi's heritage now. A lot of it is due to the ignorant attitude of the current AAP-led city government that is not doing much to preserve the rich heritage of Shahjahanabad.
— Deepanshi, Chandni Chowk resident
I joined the Union Minister Goel in the walk carrying placards to raise awareness about the need to protect the centuries-old architectural legacy of the area. Our fight is against those corrupt officials and greedy builders, who are trying to demolish our old heritage.
— Drashti Agnihotri, Resident of Matiya Mahal in Chandni Chowk
In his book 'Monuments of Delhi: Lasting Splendor of the Great Mughals and Others', Zafar Hasan has listed all small and large structures that once existed in Delhi. However, today, there is no clear official record of the heritage sites in Delhi as many have either ceased to exist.
— Wazir Kaur, History professor
A new trend has started of encroachments by turning these structures into religious places. If not taken care of, they will soon get converted to places of worship and no repair work could be done then
— Sudha Kapoor, Housewife
EXPERT SPEAK
These buildings do not just carry a single story from the builder, but they have been living and evolving with the passing generations. It is important to save them and spread awareness about them to ensure that coming generations understand this evolution, and the hardships with which these were achieved.
— Vikramjit Singh Rooprai, Heritage Activist and an expert on Baolis in Delhi
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