‘Drinking water and toilets a must’

The Archaeological Survey of India is sprucing up 46 of its monuments for the Games. Nivedita Khandekar spoke to its director-general KN Shrivastava.

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is sprucing up 46 of its monuments for the Games. Nivedita Khandekar spoke to its director-general KN Shrivastava.

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What are the major works planned at these 46 sites?
Broadly two categories of work — conservation of monuments and providing public facilities.

What are the facilities planned for tourists?
Drinking water and toilets would be a must at these monuments. We would also provide brochures and other publicity material. Starting with the three world heritage sites, we would provide audio guide facilities at as many ticketed monuments as possible.

What would be the first thing to attract visitors?
Apart from the well-manicured lawns and the monument’s facade, it would be the signages. We are using brown stone signs with uniform design and pattern. Cultural signs would be bigger while directional signs smaller.

ITDC has been working on illuminating many of these monuments. But how can tourists if visiting hours aren’t extended?
We are working a plan. We would definitely extend visiting hours at all the monuments that are illuminated and provide additional security so tourists can enjoy ‘Delhi at Night’.