AN APPROACH TO CONSERVATION OF BUILT HERITAGE - DELHI MASTER PLAN PROVISIONS.

Case Study :
Village- ‘MEHRAULI’ ARCHAELOGICAL PARK
AN APPROACH TO CONSERVATION OF BUILT HERITAGE –
DELHI MASTER PLAN PROVISIONS.
Location of ‘MEHRAULI’
ARCHAELOGICAL PARK in
Delhi
Presentation by:
P.S. UTTARWAR,
Director (Planning),
Delhi Development Authority,
New Delhi (India)
(psuttarwar@gmail.com)

LOCATION
Location of India on World map
Location of Delhi on map of India
Map of Delhi

JAMA MASJID
INDIA GATE
SWAMI NARAYAN TEMPLE
LOTUS TEMPLE
HUMAYUN’S TOMB

STATUS OF URBANISATION IN INDIA
SCHEME OF PRESENTATION
PART-I
HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE
PART-II
CASE STUDY
PART-III
P.S. UTTARWAR, Director (Planning), Delhi Development Authority, New Delhi (India)

STATUS OF URBANISATION
IN INDIA
PART-I

URBANIZATION IN INDIA- A CHALLENGE
o Urbanization in India is a challenge, as well
as an opportunity.
o A challenge because of it’s rapid growth
rate, which outpaces development of
infrastructure & availability of resources.
o An opportunity, as it offers better economic
avenues, compared to rural areas.

POPULATION GROWTH IN INDIA
o As per census of India 2011, India’s population stand at 1.21 billion; 17.5 per cent
of world population and next to China which accounts for 19.4 per cent of the
global population.
o Over last 10 years (2001-2011) India has added 181 million population.
o Population of India is almost equal to the combined population of the United
States, Indonesia, Brazil, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Japan put together.
o But growth rate has slowed down from 21.15 per cent in 2001 to 17.64 per cent in
2011.
o Level of urbanization, increased from 27.81 per cent 2001 census to 31.16 per
cent in 2011 census.

STATUS OF URBANIZATION
IN THE CAPITAL CITY OF DELHI
o Total area of National Capital Territory of Delhi (NCTD) is 1485 square km.
o Urbanization has increased rapidly in Delhi since 1911 when Delhi became the capital of the country.
57.5% of Population was urbanised in 1911.
o The pace was accelerated during 1941-51 when the country was partitioned and refugees started
settling in Delhi.
o With rapid urbanisation, the urban area in Delhi territory has increased from 22% in 1961 to 62.5% of
the total area in 2001.
o In 2001, about 702 sq km of area was estimated to have been built up, accommodating about 13.8
million population.
o In 2011, total population of Delhi was 16.75 million with 97.5 per cent urban population.
o In 2021, about 978 sq km of total Urbanisable area will be available for accommodating about 23.0
million population in Delhi.

POPULATION GROWTH IN DELHI
o As per 2001 census, Population of Delhi was 16.75 million with 97.5 per cent population
living in urban areas as against the national average of 31.16%.
Census Population Decadal Growth
1911 413,851 2.0%
1941 917,939 44.3%
1951 1,744,072 90.0%
2001 13,782,976 46.3%
2011 16,753,235 21.6%
o The corresponding population density is 11,297
persons per km sq.
o Following table shows Population Growth of
Delhi since 1911:
Satellite Image of Delhi showing level of Urbanisation

MASTER PLANS FOR DELHI
The First Master Plan for
Delhi, 1961-81, was published
by DDA in 1962, envisaged
development of urbanisable
area of 448 sq.km. by 1981,
catering to an urban
population of 4.6 million.
To accommodate the 12.2
million urban population by
the year 2001, the Second
Master Plan envisaged
expanding the urbanisable
area of Delhi to 688 sq.km. Third Master Plan of Delhi, projected population of
23 Million by the year 2021 on about 978 sq.km. of
total Urbanisable area .

HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE
PART-II

HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE OF DELHI
o Delhi is an ancient city with rich historical mile
stones and heritage.
o Historically Delhi has been a capital city for many
dynasties and rulers.
o Each ruler and dynasty left its impression and foot
prints in the form of monuments, heritage
buildings and capital complexes.
o The rulers have been conscious of Delhi’s past.
Their desire to protect the past has influenced
protection and conservation of built heritage.
o Archaeological survey and Public Works
Department of British India began this task in the
later 19th century and after independence ASI has
become protector of India’s heritage.

AN APPROACH
o The lack of appropriate plotting and mapping has resulted in encroachments and deterioration in
heritage areas/buildings. At a later date Master Plan documents attempted to make provisions for
protection and conservation of built heritage.
o Right from the first Master Plan of Delhi 1962 to the Master Plan of Delhi 2021, each document
contributed and perfected conceptual frame work, approach and policies for protection and
conservation of monuments in Delhi.
o The World over thinking about heritage has changed radically. The ‘Monument’ approach
has been discarded as being insufficient to protect the Built Heritage. This built heritage
needs to be treated as heritage areas or zones.
o It is necessary to identify what is to be done with these buildings? Who will do it? and
What conceptual approach lies behind the whole process?

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK ON
CONSERVATION ASPECT FOR MPD 2021
o Our heritage is the result of interaction of three forces.
i) People - occupies a geographical area
ii) Place - where building activity takes place and through
iii) Time - buildings and cities take shape.
o Understanding of People, Place and Time gives us the context for understanding Heritage. It also
helps us in evaluating the heritage.
o Fundamental to the approach for conservation of the build heritage is the understanding of heritage
as a Resource. Such an understanding means that like all Natural resources built heritage is also
subject to development pressures and exploitation and has to be protected from these threats.
o The notion of sustainability widely used for natural resources is also applicable for built heritage.
o Sustainability necessarily means the use of the resources in a matter that does not compromise on
the ability of future generations to use and enjoy it.

o Conservation is not freezing a place in time or denying
development.
o Rather it stresses that the development has to occur in relation to
the existing built heritage and the relationship with the natural
resources.
o Conservation of Built heritage can not be compartmentalized under
a heading and done with.
o Effective protection and Management of Built heritage requires that
the concerns of heritage be reflected in all areas and be integrated
with Planning process.

PLAN FOR A CONSERVATION ZONE
o Qualities to be preserved
o Delineation of zones
o Capitals
o Historic Villages
o Clusters of monuments
o Urban Villages

CONTENTS OF THE CONSERVATION PLAN
o Heritage components and their ownership
o Traditional and historic Housing Stock
o Land use policy
o Physical Infrastructure
o Traffic and Transportation
o Information management
o Education and awareness
o Tourism
o Capacity Building

ARCHAEOLOGICAL PARK
o Archaeological Park in an area distinguishable by heritage resource and
land related to such resources, which has potential to become an
interpretive and educational resources for the public in addition to the
value as a tourist attraction.
o Though the priority are the historical structures and the built heritage, ecological and
landscape aspects are not excluded.
o All decisions regarding Built Heritage in general and Archeological Parks in particular
should be based on evaluation of the pertinent aspects like form and design, materials
and substance, use and function, traditions and techniques, location and setting, spirit
and feeling and other internal and external factors.

o The following areas have been designated as Archaeological
Parks:
(These are the names of localities/Areas)
i. Mehrauli Archaeological Park.
ii. Tughlazuabad Archaeological Park.
iii. Sultant Garhi Archaeological Park.
Other area can be added to the list on the basis of studies.

CONCLUSION
o The Master Plan 2021 has brought focus and vision with respect to
Conservation of Built Heritage.
o For the first time the idea and concept of Heritage Zone,
Archaeological Park has been introduced in the Master Plan
document.
o The scope of Heritage encompasses monument along with linkages
or continuity of buildings, structures or complexes united
historically or aesthetically.
o Similarly Archaeological Park is an area distinguishable by heritage
resource and land related to such resources.
o Inclusion of these entities in Master Plan document/LAND USE
PLAN makes it potential area for protection, conservation and an
integral part of planning process.

CASE STUDY
PART-III

Mehrauli … Historic Background
Sketch of Environs of Delhi 1807
Source:. ASI
o Mehrauli a settlement that has
evolved more than thousand years
in succession.
o Numerous major and minor
historic monuments representing
the architectural style of all major
rulers of Delhi.
o UNESCO World Heritage Site also
forms the part of this area.
Slave Dynasty

Mehrauli Heritage Zone
The Heritage Zone consists of three distinct sub zones…
Zone I Mehrauli Abadi Area
Zone II South Central Ridge
(Vasant Kunj & Kishangarh shall bound limits of this zone on
southwest side and Kikar forest on northwest side)
Zone III Beyond outer limits of Quila Rai Pithora
Zone I
Zone II
Zone III
DELINEATION OF HERITAGE ZONE
Mehrauli Heritage Zone Committee constituted under the chairmanship of Shri M.N. Buch by Hon’ble Lt. Governor
of Delhi.

Extents of Site…
Andheria Mor
Qutub Complex
DDA Park
Mehrauli Village
Mehrauli

Topographic Analysis
1
3
2
4
6
5
Site Potentials… Physiography and Hydrology
Chhatri in front of Jamali Kamali…
Distinct landscapes arising out of topographical
variation worthy of being conserved and
enhanced… Quli Khan tomb & Qutub Complex
sited over a plateau…
Mehrauli village spread evenly over
the ridge…
1
2
3

Topographic Analysis
4
6
5
1
2
3
Site Potentials… Physiography and Hydrology
Depressed land to the east of
Dilkhusha, forming a bowl…
Use of water for utilitarian as well as
visual reasons…
Jharna…
nestling between the valley
Hauz e Shamshi…
a man made reservoir
4
5
6

Site Potentials… Vegetation
Historic orchards, formal gardens, fields and grazing lands, English landscape gardens,
contemporary manicured gardens
…contemporary manicured
gardens
Mehrauli Village
Qutb Complex
Landscape analysis
Planted Vegetation

Site Potentials… Historic Structures
…unprotected
structures
Protected
structures…

Issues…
Depleted Historic Environment caused by
o Decay of Historic Buildings
o Loss of fabric due to encroachment
i. Within the forest area
ii. of / around historic buildings

Issues…
Environmental degradation due to:
o Loss of forest cover
o Lack of solid waste management
o Sewage in open natural drains
o Falling water table
o Defecation causing health hazards

Issues…
Inadequate Visitor Experience due to:
o Lack of visitor amenities
o Lack of site interpretation
o Underutilization of cultural resources
o Visual noise due to chaotic signage on streets and
other public spaces

Issues…
Inadequate Traffic Management
o Inadequate parking facilities.
o Metalled road cutting through the park and abutting monuments.
Community & Vision
o Inadequate outreach programs to generate awareness about the site
amongst the citizens, youth & children.

Cultural Resource Management Plan…
Approved in the third meeting of Delhi Urban Heritage Foundation (DUHF)

Cultural Resource Management Plan…
Components of Development
o Heritage Trail and Pathway
o Signage
o Drainage & Sewerage
o Public Conveniences
o Plantation
o InformationCenters
o Identifiable Entrances
o Permeable boundaries

Action Plan…
IDENTIFICATIONOF DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS
o Restoration of Unprotected structures
• INTACH in collaboration with DTTDC has already undertaken
restoration work of 26 unprotected heritage structures
o Heritage Trail and Signage
o Entrance Areas to the Archaeological Park
• Forecourt to the Qutab Complex
• Jamali Kamali Gate
• Visitor Facilities

Action Plan…
o Integration of the World Heritage Site Qutab Complex with Archaeological Park with
Quli Khan Tomb Complex as an interface
• Redefine the missing links
• Landscaping of Quli Khan Complex
o Provision of Sulabh Sauchalayas for Mehrauli Village
o Development of Balban’s tomb and its ruins
o Revival of Garden Jharna

Action Plan…
o Plantation of Historic Orchards
o Removalof Encroachments & Security arrangements
o Rejuvenation of Metcalf’s Pond
o Covering of Mehrauli Drain

Heritage Trail… INTACH in collaboration with DTTDC

Existing
Proposed
Heritage Trail…

Heritage Trail…
Monument Description Boards
Trail Markers

Entrance Areas… Forecourt to Qutub Complex
Core Zone – Monument area,
where interventions would be
minimal
Buffer Zone – comprising of
open landscapes and greenery
as an area of transition
Peripheral Zone – where
interventions will be allowed
to facilitate visitors but
controlled to ensure harmony
with the overall environment
The design approach designates three distinct zones:
CORE ZONE
BUFFER ZONE
PERIPHERAL ZONE

Part of triangular traffic Island to be used for widening the
connecting road between Aurobindo Marg and Mehrauli road
Existing road network directly in front of Qutub Complex to be
closed for vehicular access
HUDCO PROPOSAL

HUDCO PROPOSAL
Phase I proposal facilitates tourists with:
Parking Ticket Counter
Kiosks Toilets

Landscaped Court
Bus Parking
Car Parking
Rose flower
nursery
Quli Khan Tomb
Qutb Complex
Parking
Relocation of flower shops /
Kiosks Mehrauli - Gurgaon Road
Ticket Counter

Redefining missing links…
Metcalf’s guest house infiltrating in the Qutb complex
…existing openings closed

Dense Vegetation…
historic orchards
Quli Khan’s Tomb…
a viewing point
rejuvenate the
pond
enhancing the
terraces
Channeling
water to pond
Qutb Complex
Char bagh
rarify vegetation
Metcalf’s Guest house…
Information zone
Servant’s Quarter…
Audio visual centre
Restoration of pathways
Redefining missing links… Concept

DenseVegetation
Quli Khan’s
Tomb
Pond
Terrace Garden
Causeway
Qutb Complex
Char bagh
Metcalf’s
Guest house
Servant’s Quarter
Redefining missing links… Concept

Redefining missing links… Proposal… Step V
Qutb Complex
Quli Khan’s Tomb
Complex
…into the Park

Heritage Trial…

AN APPROACH TO CONSERVATION OF BUILT HERITAGE - DELHI MASTER PLAN PROVISIONS.

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AN APPROACH TO CONSERVATION OF BUILT HERITAGE - DELHI MASTER PLAN PROVISIONS.