9 months on, fencing around Sabz Burj in Delhi remains damaged

During a visit, HT found that metal fencing around the monument in two places — facing Humayun’s Tomb — was severely damaged or entirely missing.

The protective fencing around the Sabz Burj monument in Nizamuddin has remained broken in two places for over nine months, leaving the site vulnerable to trespassing and potential damage.

The Mughal-era structure is located on the roundabout at the Mathura Road and Lodi Road crossing near Humayun’s Tomb in southeast Delhi. (Sanjeev Verma/HT PHOTO)

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) officials said they expect to finish repairs within a month.

The Mughal-era structure is located on the roundabout at the Mathura Road and Lodi Road crossing near Humayun’s Tomb in southeast Delhi.

Fencing severely damaged

During a visit to the ASI-protected monument on Monday, HT found that metal fencing around the monument in two places — facing Humayun’s Tomb — was severely damaged or entirely missing.

Additionally, a portion of the fencing facing Lodi Road was broken, with metal bars either absent or damaged. In both sections, the ground supporting the fence was fractured and surrounded by rubble.

An ASI official, requesting anonymity, told HT: “On October 14, 2025, a car drove into the fence and damaged it before entering the monument roundabout ground and hitting the fence again at another place. The driver was under the influence and detained by the police. The monument was safe; only the fencing was damaged.”

ASI official says repairs are underway

The AKTC and ASI together restored the monument between 2018 and 2021.

The grounds on which the monument stands are usually locked and closed to the public. However, since the fencing remains damaged, locals and security guards stationed at the site are concerned about the monument’s safety.

A security guard who works the day shift at the Sabz Burj said, “Security guards doing night duty face major challenges. They have to deal with people under the influence entering with knives, threatening them and trying to rob them. The security guards are forced to seek help from their counterparts deployed at Humayun’s Tomb and Sunder Nursery. How long can we keep going like this? We have complained to ASI multiple times, but nothing has happened.”

He added that individuals frequently attempt to break into the premises through the openings created by the damaged fencing. “It is still manageable during the day, but it is very difficult for night guards.”

Brijesh Kumar, an autodriver who often picks up passengers at the roundabout, said motorists often drive recklessly in the area at night. “There are two flyovers nearby, and many people use them for speeding, often driving rashly,” Kumar said.