DMRC: Construction will not harm heritage structures

The Delhi Metro, which is proceeding with its work on the controversial Central Secretariat-Kashmere Gate corridor without an official go ahead from the yet-to-be-formed National Monument Authority (NMA), has assured that construction work will not cause any harm to the heritage properties nearby. New Course

The Delhi Metro, which is proceeding with its work on the controversial Central Secretariat-Kashmere Gate corridor without an official go ahead from the yet-to-be-formed National Monument Authority (NMA), has assured that construction work will not cause any harm to the heritage properties nearby.

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According to Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), they have carried out realignments on the stretch, wherever possible, and have achieved a nod from the Competent Authority for Delhi, appointed as per the requirement of the amendment in the Archeological Act last year.

“Following suggestions of the Competent Authority, we have revised layouts for Delhi Gate, Jama Masjid, Lal Quila and Kashmere Gate stations and shifted them beyond 100 meters from the protected monuments as per the requirement of Ancient Monuments and Archeological Sites and Remains (Amendment and Validation) Act 2010,” said Kumar Keshav, director (projects and planning), DMRC.

According to him, the Competent Authority has approved the realigned stretch. He also expressed hope that official go ahead would not be a problem from the NMA after it is formed.

“Our stations on the corridor would now be at least 100 meters away from the protected monuments but tunneling work would be carried out within 300 meters at many places. With the availability of advanced technologies we assure that this will not cause any harm to the heritage properties,” Keshav added. | New Course