Awareness on historical monuments, second volume of book on heritage soon, 160 new sites this time
From taking measures to conserve heritage sites, forming a “Heritage Conservation Cell”, unveiling coffee-table books on heritage sites, granting permission for film shooting and planning to organise guide tour in near future, the South Delhi Municipal Corporation said it has been making all efforts to make people aware about the rich legacy of historical monuments that abound them but they might be missing them out in the hustle-bustle of their life.
The SDMC said it has been working to restore and protect 475 notified historical monuments, ancient buildings, gateways, tombs, memorials, etc. falling within its jurisdiction. “We created a Heritage Conservation Cell in 2019 for this purpose. The objective of the Cell is to not only make people aware about the importance of historical and cultural heritages but to take appropriate measures to restore and safeguard them.
“The corporation decided to document the lesser-known but veritable gems of our history and heritage in the shape of coffee-table book. The first coffee-table book titled ‘Glorious Heritage’ was released by Lieutenant Governor, Anil Baijal in August 2021. The book captures the pictures and necessary description of 108 heritage sites falling within the jurisdiction of SDMC,” said the civic agency.
The SDMC said it is soon going to unveil the second volume of the coffee-table book which shall be carrying information on another 160 heritage sites.
“The remaining sites are proposed to be covered in the third edition on which the Heritage Conservation Cell is working steadfastly. The troika of coffee-table books will be a treat for anyone interested in knowing the rich heritage of Delhi. The e-Book version of the first coffee-table book has been launched on the official website of South Delhi Municipal Corporation for wide reach and access to public at large.
“The second edition of ‘Glorious Heritage’ is likely to be published soon. It carries a rich collection of various monuments like Hammam, a building of historical and cultural significance constructed during Mughal period in Purana Quila, KOS Minar located at National Zoological Park, enclosure of Nawab Mustafa Khan & Jamaat Khana Mosque, both in Hazrat Nizamuddin Aulia Dargah complex, Durga Bhawan at Netaji Subhas Road, Jogmaya Mandir in Mehrauli, Domed Building (temple) in Africa Avenue, Bridge in Greater Kailash area, Metcalfe Folly in Mehrauli. These monuments and buildings have been part of our life all the time but people mostly did not really know their significance. The coffee-table book is an attempt to act as a reference for anyone curious to know about any old structure standing in front of them,” it said.
The corporation said it intends to make these sites famous tourist destination/spot through proper promotion.
“In this direction, SDMC has framed a policy to allow film shooting. The Civic Agency has prepared a list of probable sites which may attract filmmakers for shoots. The policy has a potential for generating the revenue as well as to showcase tourist friendly locations under South corporation before the public through electronic mediums which include TV serials, films, documentaries among others. There is continuous dialogue with filmmakers and producers for shooting of movies, short films, documentaries, etc at these locations.
“The plan for undertaking guided tour of these sites is also afoot. The Corporation hopes that very soon the citizens will be dazzled by the rich legacy lying scattered in their neighbourhood while having a walk on a pleasant morning or soothing evening,” it said.
