Ghaziabad municipal corporation initiates project to redevelop walled city gates

The old city was surrounded by four gates — Ghanta Ghar and Sihani Gate being the other two. Both these gates are no more. Most of the old city residential areas, markets and shops are still located within a radius of 4km area, circled by three gates.

The Ghaziabad municipal corporation will spend nearly ₹30 lakh as part of a redevelopment work related to two old gates which once formed the Walled City of Ghaziabad.

City residents said the plan should not be to just preserve the old gates but also to redevelop the entire old city area, which has heritage value. (Sakib Ali/HT Photo)

UP minister of state for food and civil supplies Atul Garg and city mayor Ashu verma on Monday inaugurated the project at Delhi Gate.

According to officials, the work will include installation of LED lights, paintings, granite stones, removal of encroachment, repair and renovation of the two gates — Delhi Gate and Dasna Gate.

“The tender for the work has been awarded to a private firm which will soon start the work. The work is estimated to be completed in another two months. The project was initiated as the two gates have historical importance and need renovation as they are in a bad condition,” Verma said.

According to officials, the old city was surrounded by four gates — Ghanta Ghar and Sihani Gate being the other two. Both these gates are no more. Most of the old city residential areas, markets and shops are still located within a radius of 4km area, circled by three gates.

However, city residents said the plan should not be to just preserve the old gates but also to redevelop the entire old city area, which has heritage value.

“We had written several times to the authorities to take up the issue of preservation with the state archaeology department and provide a regular funding for the area. Since thousands of residents and customers visit the old city market till late night, the agency should also come up with a plan for its cleanliness, building proper roads, beautification and installation of old-styled lighting. As in other states, the old lanes should also be preserved,” said Akash Vashistha, an environment activist.

In their previous smart city plan, the corporation officials had proposed the redevelopment of the old city area under the area based development plan, but the pan was dropped later. Yet again, they focussed only on the redevelopment of new areas.

“The state has hundreds of old structures and places which are yet to be redeveloped. We will soon be filing a petition to get the old sites preserved,” Vashistha said.