Conservation Funds for Old Delhi's Protected Monuments Nearly Fully Utilized Over Five Years
In a significant development for heritage preservation, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has reported nearly complete utilization of conservation funds allocated for 13 protected monuments in Old Delhi over the five-year period from 2020-21 to 2024-25. This information was disclosed in response to a parliamentary question raised by Chandni Chowk MP Praveen Khandelwal in the Lok Sabha.
Detailed Breakdown of Conservation Expenditure
The government's response revealed a detailed financial trajectory of conservation spending. In the fiscal year 2020-21, the expenditure stood at ₹24.50 crore. This amount dipped slightly to ₹19.09 crore in 2021-22 before experiencing a sharp increase to ₹30.50 crore in 2022-23. The spending peaked at ₹36.57 crore in 2023-24, indicating a period of intensified restoration and maintenance activities. For the current fiscal year 2024-25, the allocation has been set at ₹24.95 crore. Crucially, the utilization rate has approached 100% of the allocated funds across all these years, demonstrating efficient fund management.
Scope of Protected Heritage in Old Delhi
The protected monuments under ASI's care in Old Delhi represent a rich tapestry of Mughal-era architecture and urban history. This list includes iconic structures within the Red Fort complex, such as the Diwan-i-Aam (Hall of Public Audience), the Mumtaz Mahal, and the Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience). Furthermore, the network extends to historic city gates like the Delhi Gate and the Ajmeri Gate. The protected heritage is not confined to these famous standalone monuments; it also encompasses fragments of the historic city wall of Shahjahanabad, the original name for Old Delhi, along with other forts, gates, and mosques that collectively narrate the story of the city's past.
Policy Framework and Government Statement
The conservation and maintenance of these monuments are conducted in accordance with the National Conservation Policy of 2014. The government, in its parliamentary reply, emphasized that this work is carried out based on three key parameters: requirement, priority, and the availability of resources. This approach is described as a regular and systematic phenomenon under the established policy framework, ensuring that preservation efforts are both strategic and responsive to the needs of each heritage site.
Over the entire five-year span, the cumulative expenditure on the conservation of these 13 protected monuments in Old Delhi has reached a substantial total of ₹135.61 crore. This sustained financial commitment highlights the ongoing efforts to safeguard India's architectural legacy in the national capital region, ensuring these historical treasures are maintained for future generations.
