Shahjahanabad now becomes ‘Indraprastha Heritage Redevelopment Corporation’: The face of Old Delhi will change; CM Rekha Gupta’s mega plan for Chandni Chowk, Town Hall and Jama Masjid

The Delhi Government has taken a historic step towards reviving the historical, cultural and architectural heritage of Old Delhi in its original glory. The government has now changed the name of ‘Shahjahanabad Re-Development Corporation’ (SRDC), formed with the aim of preservation and rejuvenation of Old Delhi, to Indraprastha Heritage Redevelopment Corporation (IVPN). Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said that through this corporation, a comprehensive and serious initiative has been started to keep the historical and traditional identity of Old Delhi intact and equip it with world-class modern facilities. The annual meeting was held under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister; Many major decisions were taken. A high-level annual meeting of the Indraprastha Heritage Redevelopment Corporation (IVPN) was organized under the chairmanship of Chairperson and Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. Urban Development Minister and Vice Chairman of the Corporation Ashish Sood, Managing Director Sandeep Kumar and senior officials of all concerned departments participated in this meeting. In the meeting, several important roadmaps related to overall redevelopment of Old Delhi, heritage conservation, expansion of infrastructure and promotion of tourism were prepared, in which the redevelopment of historic Chandni Chowk has been kept on top priority. The glory of Chandni Chowk will return: Coordination of interests of traders and tourists. The Chief Minister gave strict instructions to the officials that the design of Chandni Chowk market should be re-developed in such a way that its 350 years old historical form and cultural dignity is clearly visible. Civic Facilities: Modern and clean public toilets (toilet blocks) will be developed to facilitate the lakhs of shoppers and tourists visiting Chandni Chowk every day. Trade Balance: In the meeting, emphasis was laid on taking full care of the interests of local traders and shopkeepers. CM said that Chandni Chowk owes its existence to the markets here, hence a perfect balance will be established between heritage conservation and business activities. Tourist Control Room and Parking: A state-of-the-art control room will be built in the market for the guidance and safety of tourists coming from India and abroad. Also, special emphasis was laid on development of systematic parking facilities to make the area jam-free. Town Hall, Jama Masjid and Hanuman Temple will be beautified. The scope of redevelopment of Old Delhi will not be limited to Chandni Chowk only, but many other historical centers have also been added to it: Town Hall: Reviewing the redevelopment of the historical Town Hall, the CM directed that one of its main entry and exit gates should be opened directly towards Chandni Chowk, so that this building can emerge as a major heritage tourism centre. Yamuna Bazar Hanuman Temple: Under the project, instructions have been given to prepare a detailed blue print (Detailed Project Report) of the development of the ancient Hanuman temple located in Yamuna Bazar and the entire area behind it. Jama Masjid and Old Delhi Railway Station: The Chief Minister has also given instructions to the officials to prepare a new action plan for the beautification and redevelopment of Jama Masjid area and Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Marg (SPM Marg) located right in front of the Old Delhi Railway Station. The treasure of history is spread over 7.12 square kilometers. In the meeting, while presenting the figures of historical importance of Delhi, the officials said that Old Delhi is spread over an area of ​​about 7.12 square kilometers. Within this vibrant city, which is over 350 years old, there are: 1 World Heritage Site (Red Fort) 10 National Protected Monuments 10 State Protected Monuments Over 700 locally notified heritage sites. In the end, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said that the historical heritage of Delhi is not only our cultural identity but also an invaluable heritage for the coming generations. Development work is being done in such a way that Old Delhi can create its new global identity as a world class heritage hub.