Delhi’s Mehrauli Archaeological Park which has over 100 tombs, mosques and baolis is crying for attention as the park has been neglected by the authorities. While there seems to be no particular civic agency looking after the site, the area has withered with vandalism and defacement. Popularly known as ‘Jamali Kamali’, this heritage site is a typical case of unprotected heritage and lack of planning.
Usually, archaeological parks are expected to be replete with finely manicured gardens and strictly patterned walkways, informed guides, experts and proper civic amenities showcasing the splendor of a heritage site, not so in this case. Unfortunate but true, Mehrauli Archaeological Park is only an eyesore in the name of a historical structure. The Archaelogical Survey of India (ASI) looks after six monuments in Delhi; the Delhi Government’s Department of Archaeology owns 15 others. The other 80 monuments are simply orphans.
“We are tasked to look after six monuments and we are trying our best to conserve these monuments with whatever resources and revenue we have. There is a clear division of the heritage sites we should look after and we cannot go beyond our jurisdiction,” said an ASI official.
Closely located to the famous Jamali Kamali mosque, Sir Thomas Metcalfe’s Guesthouse displays a sorry state of vandalism. This famous structure was used by British servant named Metcalfe who in turn rented it to honeymoon couple as it provided a beautiful view of Qutab Minar. The single storey building has now been defaced as the walls have been scribbled by mysterious elements. Moreover the cement has etched out and the décor has been mended with.
Three-storeyed steep well Rajon Ki Baoli, built in the reign of Sikander lodhi in 1516, also faces a similar condition. What was once used to store water is now dotted with plastic bottles. Moreover, Dilkusha, the resort neighboring the guesthouse is replete with patchy cement restoration work which was once decorated with beautiful blue tiles.