Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan on Wednesday met lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung to review the progress of work with regard to the redevelopment of Jama Masjid and Chandni Chowk precincts. Both the minister and l-G also directed the officials concerned to fast track the projects. Presentations were made by MD, Shahjahanabad Redevelopment Corporation (SRDC) and Secretary, Public Works Department (PWD), l-G house officials said. However, whether political situation in Delhi figured in the meeting was not confirmed. l-G house termed the meeting a ‘scheduled’ one. Post the Delhi High Court’s direction to develop “a comprehensive plan for redevelopment” for Jama Masjid and its surrounding areas, Municipal Corporation Delhi was appointed as a nodal agency to coordinate the redevelopment plan.
Vardhan said he will make three-monthly visits to review the progress of work on site. The redevelopment plan aims to create an environment contemporary in concept and use, but befitting the heritage and historic nature of this precinct. These recommendations include a new physical plan, incorporating modifications in land use, built fabric, movement networks and parking, urban infrastructure services, rationalisation of spaces for commercial and other uses.
The redevelopment plan further sets forth guidelines for the implementation mechanism for the project, officials said. These recommendations hope to establish an identifiable urban form for the precinct, open up a visual and physical link to the Red Fort, as well as the rest of Shahjahanabad and create streetscapes which resolve the extremely complex traffic patterns in the area.
The Chandni Chowk redevelopment plan from Red Fort to Fatehpuri Masjid Road intends to create a pedestrian friendly environment, with seamless NMV linkage to Shahjahanabad and peripheral areas such as railway stations and metro stops and also introduction of Modern Tram System in Chandni Chowk and its linkage to railway station and Jama Masjid. This will involve under grounding of all overhead services and relocation of transformers etc.