Pankaj Jain, New Delhi, Feb 3 (UNI) Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has been appointed Chairperson of the Shahjahanabad Redevelopment Corporation (SRDC), according to an official order issued by Raj Niwas.
After assuming charge, Rekha Gupta said her government will give top priority to the comprehensive redevelopment and heritage conservation of Old Delhi.
She said the SRDC will be used as a key platform to transform Shahjahanabad into a major tourist destination while preserving its historic character.
Calling Shahjahanabad more than just a locality, Gupta said it represents Delhi’s rich cultural and historical identity.
She reiterated the government’s commitment to restoring the glory of the Walled City through planned development and heritage protection.
Gupta said overhead electric wires in Old Delhi’s narrow lanes will be shifted underground to improve safety and enhance the area’s appearance.
She added that a comprehensive traffic management plan will also be prepared to ease congestion in market areas, along with the development of multi-level parking facilities.
She said Old Delhi is a historic residential zone where every street reflects the city’s heritage. The government aims to ensure balanced development while conserving heritage structures, including havelis, katras and kuchas.
Gupta said several projects earlier prepared by SRDC including redevelopment of Chandni Chowk, the Jama Masjid area, Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Marg, and beautification of the stretch from Delhi Gate to Kashmere Gate will be reviewed afresh to position Old Delhi as a large tourism hub.
Gupta also noted that Old Delhi has remained deprived of adequate development and basic infrastructure in recent years.
She said the government will ensure uninterrupted road construction, repair of inner lanes, upgrading of the ageing sewer network, and preparation of a clear blueprint for continuous drinking water supply. Cleanliness of the area will also remain a key priority, she added.
The Shahjahanabad Redevelopment Corporation was set up on May 1, 2008, by the Delhi government as a special purpose vehicle to coordinate development works among various agencies, including the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, PWD and the Tourism Department.
SRDC plays a vital role in conserving historic buildings, streets and heritage assets, with its jurisdiction primarily covering the Walled City area of Old Delhi.
