One of the most prominent landmarks in the National Capital, the Hanuman Temple in Connaught Place will soon get a makeover. In a significant move, the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has decided to renovate the Temple and its adjoining areas and clear the Temple premises of all illegal encroachments.
The civic body will turn a section of the premises into a flower market while the other section in front of the Temple will be refurbished into a refectory offering traditional delicacies of Old Delhi. Besides, the agency will also install high mast lights on the otherwise dark and unsafe parking stretch located opposite the Temple. The idea is to remove all encroachments and illegal hawkers from the area and create more space in front of the Temple to avert frequent traffic congestion.
According to the Council, the decision was taken in order to rid the place of hawkers, beggars and alcoholics. Another courtyard near the Temple will have a food court selling trademark street fare.
“Converting the place along the lines of old Delhi, like Gali Paranthe Wali, will increase hawker earnings apart from improving the aesthetics of the area,” maintained Jalaj Shrivastava, Chairperson, NDMC.
In addition, the Temple will also be illuminated with special lights to make it more appealing to the faithful. “The lighting will be a major aspect of the re-development. Since most worshippers visit the Temple precincts early morning, the place will be lit to augment sunrise,” he said.
Moreover, the car park opposite the Temple will be made brighter with the installation of high mast lights. “The parking area is relatively dark and unsafe. Hence, the area will be lit up more brightly,” informed AK Mishra, Director, PR, NDMC.
Recently, the agency had also decided to put up a micro haat at the subway and a part of the open space of Baba Kharak Singh Marg. The Council has taken a number of steps to ward off beggars, alcoholics and drug addicts.