By Mumtaz Alam Falahi, TwoCircles.net,
New Delhi: Delhi’s historic Jama Masjid which is one the magnificent remains of the Mughal era, and its surrounding area will be given a multi-million-dollar facelift if the plan chalked out by the city’s civic body is executed to full. The plan will cover an area of 46 acres.
Originally called Masjid Jahan Numa, the mosque was built by Shahjahan, the fifth Mughal emperor of India. According to the Jama Masjid Precinct Re-development plan prepared by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), there will be a space of 50,000 extra Namazis. Wazu and cloak facilities will be available on Eastern and Southern gates of the mosque. There will be community halls and indoor facilities. Other dargahs, mosques and mazars in the precincts will be redeveloped in the light of Mughal architecture. The first draft plan for redevelopment of Jama Masjid precincts was prepared under the direction of the High Court.
On3rd July, MCD launched a website www.jamamasjidplan.in that contains all information related to the redevelopment plan. The website has sections like redevelopment plan, conservation, restoration, precinct and Shahjahanabad.
Through this website, people will not only be able to access each and every aspect of the redevelopment and its implementation but would also be able to post their views and suggestions on the website which will be responded by MCD officials.
The plan talks about creation of art gallery, art studio, heritage museum and tourist information centres. The Meena Bazar will also be completely changed. There will be 650 air-conditioned shops in a single storey complex. The historical Khas Bazaar will have an additional commercial space of 19,100 sqm. There will be a two level underground parking.
According to the plan, Akbari Masjid will be rebuilt. During 1857 war the mosque was demolished by the Britishers. Purda Bagh will also be beautified. A four-story building will be erected near the garden which will accommodate people living near it.
An excavation and environment impact study of the project will be conducted by IIT Delhi.
Meanwhile, the Delhi Urban Arts Commission (DUAC) has indicated to soon examine the final draft of the redevelopment plan submitted to DUAC by MCD in April this year.