DMRC work damaging tomb, claims DUAC

Friday, Dec 17, 2010




After the tussle over Yamuna Bank staff quarters, Delhi Metro has run into trouble with Delhi Urban Art Commission (DUAC) again. The DUAC has found that DMRC continued with construction of a multi-storey parking lot opposite Delhi High Court despite a stop-work notice issued by NDMC a year ago. A 16th-century tomb located in the centre of the construction work site has become a casualty of DMRC's defiance with heritage experts saying the damage done to the monument is beyond repairs. DUAC has officially rejected the parking lot proposal now.

The tomb, dating back to Sher Shah's period, originally stood on a raised plinth, most of which has been broken due to DMRC's digging work for an under-ground parking. Wide cracks can be seen on the facade of the structure and it seems that scaffoldings erected inside the tomb are the only reason why the structure is still standing. At least two cranes are working on the site round-the-clock.

"For the last one year, DMRC has been requested to stop construction work so that the parking lot proposal can be properly scrutinized but despite giving several assurances, DMRC never stopped work. The condition of the monument has deteriorated so much now that its preservation is no longer possible. The damage is too great," DUAC member and conservationist Ratish Nanda told TOI.

In a recent meeting, NDMC discussed DMRC's refusal to stop construction work. Letters have been written to the L-G, chief minister and the ministry of urban development to intervene in the matter about the continued construction of the parking lot by DMRC without DUAC or NDMC approval. "The said letter by NDMC was taken on record by the Commission. It mentions that DMRC began work at the site without obtaining clearances. Even NDMC's stop-work notice was not complied with," said a DUAC official.

While DMRC informed the Commission that construction work was expedited in view of instructions of Delhi High Court, a senior official told TOI it was not possible for them to suspend work mid-way as it was a deep underground work. Ironically, DMRC also insisted the construction work was for the betterment of the tomb which they described as "just an old dilapidated structure" that is neither under the Central Act of 1958 nor the 2004 Act of Ancient Monuments of the Delhi government.

"The building was already in a very dilapidated condition and it is incorrect to say that its condition has deteriorated due to this work. We have safeguarded it by putting scaffoldings under the supervision of Archaeological Survey of India," said a DMRC official, adding that the agency had deposited Rs 70 lakh with the heritage body for the monument's upkeep. ASI officials said they would take up conservation work on the tomb at the earliest.

DMRC said they continued with work only due to public interest and DUAC had "not given any point of dissatisfaction but rejected the project only on technical grounds".

"This monument was a picture of utter neglect before we came on scene and it could have fallen but for us. DUAC has in fact said it is satisfied with the measures taken by us with regards to safeguarding and preservation of this old tomb. It is an approved project and NDMC issued an in-principle approval in September 2008," claimed a DMRC official.

Original news source http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/DMRC-work-damaging-tomb-claims-DUAC/articleshow/7115012.cms#ixzz18LPh8Qur