Keeping up with the vision of Delhi LG, VK Saxena’s efforts to convert the Capital into a ‘City of Heritage’, the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) will now be undertaking the work of conservation, restoration, rejuvenation and redevelopment of the Mehrauli Archaeological Park, Sanjay Van and Shalimar Bagh, at its own cost, under the overall supervision of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Ministry of Culture, Government of India.
These parks under the ownership of DDA have several ASI-protected monuments, which were hitherto lying in a state of neglect. Sources said an MoU to this effect is set to be signed between DDA and ASI within the next one week. However, basic works like drawing, planning, mobilisation of resources etc. has already commenced without waiting for a formal MoU, as agreed between DDA and ASI. Following communications between the Lt. Governor, VK Saxena and Union Culture Minister, G Kishan Reddy, wherein the former had requested for handing over these sites to DDA for restoration and redevelopment, the latter has agreed to hand over ASI monuments location in these sites to DDA.