L-G Baijal to visit Old Delhi, review Shahjahanabad revamp plan | Latest News Delhi - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

L-G Baijal to visit Old Delhi, review Shahjahanabad revamp plan

Hindustan Times | By, New Delhi
Jul 13, 2017 12:06 AM IST

The government had planned to redevelop Shahjahanabad and had set up a dedicated body to coordinate efforts. However, the plan to revamp the area, which has monuments such as the Jama Masjid, has not been implemented for over a decade

The ambitious plan to redevelop Shahjahanabad, which has been hanging fire for more than a decade, is expected to get the much-needed push with the L-G Anil Baijal deciding to visit the Walled City soon.

Encroachment is a major problem in Chandni Chowk. The government is planning to revamp the city of Shahjahanabad but the plan has been hanging fire for over a decade.(Sushil Kumar/HT Photo)
Encroachment is a major problem in Chandni Chowk. The government is planning to revamp the city of Shahjahanabad but the plan has been hanging fire for over a decade.(Sushil Kumar/HT Photo)

Baijal decided to visit the area after a meeting convened on Tuesday with all stakeholders including Shahjahananad Redevelopment Corporation (SRDC) to review the project.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

“The L-G may visit the area in the next couple of days, may be on a Saturday, to examine the prevailing chaos in Chandni Chowk area and its vicinity,” said a Delhi government official privy to the development.

Senior government officials -- Delhi chief secretary MM Kutty, PWD secretary Ashwini Kumar, newly appointed Managing Director of SRDC V Abrraham and General Manager OP Mishra --- were present in the meeting. The meeting was also attended by all nodal officers of various department including North Delhi Municipal Corporation, Public Work Department (PWD), Delhi Police, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, BSES, and Delhi Jal Board (DJB).

“The SRDC’s nodal officer gave a presentation and apprised the L-G about the hurdles in the project. He was also informed about the development so far and possible funding from Asian Development Bank for the project,” said the official.

Satyendra Jain, PWD minister, who is also SRDC’s chairman did not come for the meeting.

HT has, last month, reported that Baijal had sought a status report from the SRDC on the revamp plan.

“Encroachment and illegal construction is a big issue here. The pavements have been squatted upon by unauthorised hawkers and unregistered cycle rickshaws are still plying in Chandni Chowk area regardless of the February 10 court order,” said Nadeem Qazi, a resident of Ballimaran.

Sanjay Bhargava, general secretary, Chandni Chowk Sarv Vyapar Mandal, who has been pursuing the matter with the authorities and L-G for long, said traders are hopeful that the L-G will personally monitor Shahjahanabad’s redevelopment like he oversees other issues of the city.

“The meeting ended on a positive note. The L-G is likely to issue necessary directions after his visit,” a government official said.

The plan

  • The decongestion plan of Chandni Chowk was first envisaged in 2003 and was cleared by then Delhi chief secretary S Regunathan in July 2005.
  • Three years later, the SRDC was set up as a ‘special purpose vehicle’ in 2008 to improve civic services within the Walled city.
  • The proposal for redevelopment for was cleared in 2010.
  • The project was inaugurated twice in 2011 however no significance development has been taken so far.
  • In the same year, a public interest litigation (PIL) was filed in the Delhi high court, seeking action against 147 alleged illegal properties.
  • Initially, the work was to be carried out by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi. Later, the Delhi government took over the project in 2014.
  • The Shahjahanabad Redevelopment Corporation (SRDC) prepared a preliminary project report for assistance and finance of Rs 1,840 crore from ADB in October 2014.
  • The construction of a duct to shift utility cables underground along the northern carriage was completed in December 2014 after a long delay.
  • In February last year, the Delhi High Court appointed a nodal officer for coordination among all government agencies and stakeholders.
Unveiling 'Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
  • ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    author-default-90x90

    Parvez Sultan writes on heritage, urban-civic issues, Delhi government, and politics. Earlier, he headed hyper local bureau — South Delhi — at Hindustan Times. He has earlier reported on Delhi government, political parties, municipal bodies, Delhi High Court, Lokayukta and Central Administrative Tribunal.

SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On