Shadow over the past, only 6 of 14 sites illuminated

NEW DELHI: Grand plans to illuminate Delhi's historical monuments before the Commonwealth Games are in disarray. The Ministry of Culture had identified fourteen centrally-protected monuments to be lit up before the Games over three years ago. But less than ten days before the sporting event, eight sites are yet to be illuminated.It's a race against time now as executing agency ITDC has given an assurance to ASI that lighting equipment and fixtures are in place at all the sites and the work will be completed by September 28. The illuminated sites are Purana Qila, Khairul Manzil, Sher Shah Gate and Masjid, Subz Burj and Safdarjung Tomb while the monuments still waiting for the lights are Kotla Feroz Shah, Khani-i-Khana at Nizamuddin, Barah Khamba in Nizamuddin, Khooni Darwaaza, Choti Gumti at Green Park, Sikri Gumti at Green Park, Biran ka Gumbad at Green Park, Dadi Poti at Green Park and Najaf Khan Tomb at Jor Bagh.Sources indicate that even if ITDC steps up now, not all the identified sites will be illuminated. Najaf Khan tomb at Nizamuddin will not be illuminated due to lack of time. At several other sites too, fixtures are yet to be placed. Work in a hurry will also mean that illumination trials will no longer be carried out at the selected sites and experts warn that the work may even damage monuments.Whencontacted, ASI director-general Dr Gautam Sengupta declined to comment anddirected all media queries to joint director-general Dr B R Mani, who remainedunavailable. However, sources in power discoms BSES Rajdhani and BSES Yamuna theelectricity supplier for illuminating monuments confirmed they were yet toreceive applications for providing power. "Normally when we receive applicationsfor providing power at monuments monuments, it takes a week to put the necessaryinfrastructure in place. But in this instance, we will try to do it within aday,'' said a top discom official.The idea for illuminatingmonuments was to make them more visible for visitors during the Games andhighlight Delhi's rich history.. All the identified monuments are located atstrategic locations where the lighting will also beautify the surrounding areasand catch the attention of passersby.