Vardhan, L-G discuss plans for improving Chandni Chowk

Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on Wednesday met Delhi Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung and discussed the progress of redevelopment work of Jama Masjid and Chandni Chowk areas.

Vardhan, an MP from Chandni Chowk Lok Sabha seat, and Najeeb Jung, directed officials to fast track the projects, officials said. Vardhan said he would visit the site once in three months to review the progress made on these development projects.

Managing Director of Shahjahanabad Redevelopment Corporation (SRDC) and Secretary, Public Works Department (PWD) also made presentations about the progress of the work, official have said. However, whether the political situation in Delhi figured in the meeting was not confirmed, as L-G House termed the meeting a ‘scheduled’ one.

Following the Delhi High Court’s direction to develop ‘a comprehensive plan for redevelopment’ of Jama Masjid and its surrounding areas, Municipal Corporation of Delhi was appointed as a nodal agency to coordinate the redevelopment plan.

‘The redevelopment plan aims to create an environment contemporary in concept and use, but befitting the heritage and historic nature of this precinct. Recommendations include a new physical plan, incorporating modifications in land use, built fabric, movement networks and parking, urban infrastructure services, rationalisation of spaces for commercial and other uses’, an official said.

It also include guidelines for improvement of environment around existing mazaar and shrines, public amenities, landscaping, lighting, signages, facilities for visitors and tourists.

The redevelopment plan further sets forth guidelines for the implementation mechanism for the project, officials said. It would establish an identifiable urban form for the precinct, open up a visual and physical link to the Red Fort, as well as the rest of Shahjahanabad, and create streetscapes, which would resolve the extremely complex traffic patterns in the area.

This will have an impact on boundaries and walls, together with creating a barrier free environment, besides affecting traffic movement, redevelopment of walkways, relocation of utilities, setting up of public amenities and a tourist interpretation centre, among other things.

Chandni Chowk redevelopment plan from Red Fort to Fatehpuri Masjid Road intends to create a pedestrian friendly environment, with seamless non-motorised vehicle (NMV) linkage to Shahjahanabad and peripheral areas, such as railway stations and metro stations. Also, plans have been set to introduce Modern Tram System in Chandni Chowk area, along with linkages to the railway station and Jama Masjid.