New consultant for Jama Masjid revamp

NEW DELHI: Shahjahanabad Redevelopment Corporation (SRDC) has finalised an architect consultant for redevelopment of the Jama Masjid precinct. After damages were noticed in some parts of the 300-year-old mosque in 2008, a plan to redevelop the area had been proposed.
While an initial plan was readied in 2018, its implementation got stuck due to several issues, including the death of an architect consultant.
“SRDC, which is working with the Public Works Department on the redevelopment project, has decided to tweak the earlier plan as per the requirements and the new consultant will submit a revised plan for approval,” said an SRDC official.
The consultant will also do a social impact analysis. This will help in analysing the measures that may be required to ensure alternative sources of employment and wealth creation and growth of the informal sector in the area.
According to PWD officials, the fresh project report will have designs of different components of the redevelopment blueprint. It will be submitted to Delhi Urban Arts Commission and UTTIPEC for comments and suggestions. The report will also take into account future proposals of metro and bus routes in the area.
In 2018, the then lieutenant governor Anil Baijal had issued directions to SRDC to expedite the project.