The Delhi Archaeology Department creates a plan to maintain heritage sites

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Several heritage sites and monuments in the city that have been preserved by the state archaeological department during the previous decade are in severe need of regular maintenance. Some of the structures are vulnerable to de-generation again in the lack of a framework for ongoing maintenance and a qualified crew.

The department has taken note of this vulnerable condition and has decided to develop a strategy for regular maintenance. To repair the sites, they will collaborate with the Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation (DTTDC).

Officials claimed that after learning of the development, the department opted to hire a private firm to do the task. “Once a structure has been restored or conserved, the department makes no plans for its day-to-day upkeep and cleaning. Some sites may suffer irreversible harm as a result of this. Vegetation growth on old structures is a typical issue, in addition to pointing and cracking. A few buildings have been illuminated, but the lighting is inoperable “He continued.

“These concerns must be addressed on a regular basis. As a result, DTTDC can be considered because it has a separate civil engineering and electrical wing. The corporation can act as a “one-stop-shop” for the archaeological department “a senior government official stated

Parts of two heritage sites, which are under the department’s custodianship, collapsed during severe rains last month. The primary cause of the catastrophe, according to officials, is poor upkeep.

Following a review, 238 old buildings from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) list were identified to be protected in a phased manner. The agency then enlisted the help of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage to conserve and restore them.

“With the assistance of Intach, some 60 historical buildings, including tombs and baolis (step wells), have been renovated in the last 7-8 years. The fundamental reason for the current state of affairs, however, is a scarcity of conservationists and other professionals “the official said

“The department intended to begin a tendering procedure to pick an agency for the maintenance project in order to keep these heritage structures in a good and safe condition. We are also changing our hiring policies in order to hire regular employees “another official stated.

Header Image: The city has several lesser-known heritage sites like this Jharna in Mehrauli. (Photo| Special Arrangement)