The Times of India 24.09.2009
Jama Masjid facelift gets green signal from MCD
NEW DELHI: The redevelopment plan for Jama Masjid got clearance from MCD's standing committee on Wednesday. The entire area from the mosque to the Red Fort will be developed into a pedestrian zone with a lot of emphasis being laid on public spaces. A detailed project report will now be prepared by MCD and work on the project is expected to begin by end of this year.
Said deputy commissioner, city zone, Vijay Singh: "All public open spaces have been consolidated to generate a large congregation in the foreground of the masjid. A multi-level civic space has been proposed at various levels within the precinct. The existing boundaries and walls within the precinct will be done away with to make way for the public space.''
New road sections from Subhash Marg and peripheral roads will cater to the traffic around the area. The architect for the project, Pradeep Sachdeva, said: "Adequate provision for pedestrians and non-motorised vehicles will be made. A bay for tourist buses is proposed at Subhash Marg.'' No underground parking will be created in the area with options being explored at other places. Delhi Urban Art Commission (DUAC) has also asked MCD to ensure that the entrance to the bus bay is at least 75m from the intersection of two roads.
Said Singh: "The scattered commercial activity at Meena Bazar is proposed to be located at the north side, near Parade Ground. These 633 shops will be one-storey high.''
According to DUAC's directions, the market/shops around Dargah Sheikh Kalimullah should also be single-storey structures built at the level of the ground around Meena Bazar to avoid any obstruction of the visual field between Red Fort and Jama Masjid precinct.
The project aims to ensure unobstructed view of the masjid from all sides of the precinct while also establishing clear visual links to key sights such as the Red Fort. Signages will be put up and proper lighting and security will be provided in the area. A number of public amenities like toilet blocks will also be provided besides an interpretation centre for tourists.
MCD got a go-ahead for the project from DUAC in June this year after it was rejected four times. Much of the original plan, which boasted of underground parking and a heritage mall, has been done away with as both DUAC and Archaeological Survey of India insisted on minimum intervention in the sensitive zone to preserve its historical glory.
Said deputy commissioner, city zone, Vijay Singh: "All public open spaces have been consolidated to generate a large congregation in the foreground of the masjid. A multi-level civic space has been proposed at various levels within the precinct. The existing boundaries and walls within the precinct will be done away with to make way for the public space.''
New road sections from Subhash Marg and peripheral roads will cater to the traffic around the area. The architect for the project, Pradeep Sachdeva, said: "Adequate provision for pedestrians and non-motorised vehicles will be made. A bay for tourist buses is proposed at Subhash Marg.'' No underground parking will be created in the area with options being explored at other places. Delhi Urban Art Commission (DUAC) has also asked MCD to ensure that the entrance to the bus bay is at least 75m from the intersection of two roads.
Said Singh: "The scattered commercial activity at Meena Bazar is proposed to be located at the north side, near Parade Ground. These 633 shops will be one-storey high.''
According to DUAC's directions, the market/shops around Dargah Sheikh Kalimullah should also be single-storey structures built at the level of the ground around Meena Bazar to avoid any obstruction of the visual field between Red Fort and Jama Masjid precinct.
The project aims to ensure unobstructed view of the masjid from all sides of the precinct while also establishing clear visual links to key sights such as the Red Fort. Signages will be put up and proper lighting and security will be provided in the area. A number of public amenities like toilet blocks will also be provided besides an interpretation centre for tourists.
MCD got a go-ahead for the project from DUAC in June this year after it was rejected four times. Much of the original plan, which boasted of underground parking and a heritage mall, has been done away with as both DUAC and Archaeological Survey of India insisted on minimum intervention in the sensitive zone to preserve its historical glory.
