Delhi Lieutenant Governor (L-G) Vinai Kumar Saxena on Sunday inspected the heritage Anang Tal Baoli at Sanjay Van and issued directions to restore and develop it into a "jewel of Delhi".
The L-G, who was accompanied by officials of the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), Delhi Jal Board (DJB), and the Archeological Survey of India (ASI), further directed them to identify green patches inside the forest that can be developed into locations for small national and international conferences, festivals, cultural events and other recreational activities. According to a statement issued by Raj Niwas, the L-G instructed that the 'baoli' be brought back to life with fresh water within two months. He also stressed that the restoration should be carried out strictly keeping in mind the preservation of the heritage identity of the structure, particularly its features buried underground.
He directed that an MoU be signed among the DDA, ASI, World Monument Fund (WMF), India, and Tata Consultancy Services Foundation (TCSF) within a week to carry out comprehensive restoration of the heritage 'baoli', the statement said.
Anang Tal Baoli (pond), an 11th-century heritage structure of Delhi, has been reduced to a basin of muck due to the decades-old sediment of garbage and sewage discharge from the adjacent hotels and slums. It is nestled in the reserve forest "Sanjay Van", which is a part of the south central ridge. It was constructed in the 11th century by Anangpala II, the Tomar ruler who is said to have inhabited the city of Delhi around his citadel of Lal Kot -- one of the earliest known forts in Delhi, the statement claimed.
"The DDA has immediately begun de-silting of the Anang Tal Baoli and the ASI too, will begin the excavation work and submit a report in the next 3-4 days along with a concrete time-frame to complete the restoration work. De-silting of the pond will be completed before the arrival of monsoon so that the pond could be filled with fresh rainwater," the statement said.
The restoration of the 45-foot deep Anang Tal Baoli will not only recharge the groundwater but will also add to aesthetic beauty of area. It has the potential of eventually developing into a tourist destination.