LG Jung approves Rs 3 cr restoration project for Hardayal Library

Seeking to bring back the historic Hardayal Municipal Public Library to its original glory, LG Najeeb Jung on Friday approved a grant of Rs 3 crore for a major restoration project of the city’s landmark.

The decision was taken in a meeting convened by the LG wherein representatives from south and east municipal corporations (SDMC and EDMC), secretary and librarian (of Hardayal) and senior officials of the government were present.

“In the meeting, it was decided that Rs 3 <g data-gr-id="22">cr</g> grant will be given to Hardayal Municipal Public Library to revamp its infrastructure. Besides, Delhi Urban Heritage Foundation (DUHF) will look into the restoration of the library’s outer and inner structure.

“A joint inspection will be undertaken immediately to chart out the course of its restoration and for removal of encroachment. Work will also be undertaken to help digitise rare and old books in the library’s collection,” said a senior official from the LG’s office. 

One of the oldest public libraries of Delhi, it was set up in 1862 as the Lawrence Institute Library. In 1912, the then Viceroy of India Lord Hardinge escaped a bomb attack while passing by Chandni Chowk on an elephant.