Forgotten for a decade, revival afoot for Walled City museum

Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH).

After examining the scheme, the ministry gave its approval in March, but the work could not be initiated till now as the funds were not transferred.

“The first instalment, a grant of ₹1.69 crore, has just been released to the North Delhi Municipal Corporation, which is the nodal agency for executing the restoration project. I expect the work to begin soon,” said the youth affairs minister.

However, the minister further said that he wanted a non-government agency to take up the project. “I don’t trust the municipal corporation. I want other agencies like INTACH or similar bodies to be roped in for the restoration of the museum. The project is getting delayed because of the corporation’s lackadaisical attitude,” he said.

As per the revival plan, artiI facts, articles, rare photos and paintings depicting the culture and lifestyle of early residents of Shahjahanabad (during Mughal period) is slated to be exhibited. A library with a space for research scholars is part of the plan. This will be a one-stop destination, where a visitor will be able to study the composite culture of the Walled City under one roof, said Goel.

“Articles like utensils, garments and other exhibits such as hookah will be displayed. Literature pertaining to the city and the history of the place since its inception will also be provided, so that people coming to the museum can learn about it. We will also brief tourists about places to see in old Delhi and what to eat where. We basically aim to recreate the scene of yesteryears,” the minister said.

Once the museum is fully renovated, cultural events are also likely to be hosted here, he said.

The haveli was constructed in 1929. Until it was turned into a museum, a municipal dispensary was being run in its two of its rooms and the remaining part was abandoned. Goel contributed funds from his Member of Parliament Local Area Development (MPLAD) fund to restore the building as the Walled City museum.

RAVI CHOUDHARY/HT PHOTO In the absence of adequate maintenance, the Walled City museum at Lahori Gate has turned into a garbage dump and a haven for encroachers.